A consultative workshop on the development of the third phase of the Integrated Teacher Development Online Platform recently took place at Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre in Boksburg, in the Gauteng Province. The purpose of the consultation was to discuss the draft specifications for the Platform and invite comments ahead of the finalisation of the process.
The EDTP-SETA has approved funding for the development of the third phase going forward. The third phase of the Platform will focus on full programmes in terms of modules for teachers, influence the design of new programmes and ensure that the developmental needs of the teachers are being met. One of the goals is the expansion of opportunities for teachers to collaborate and communicate using online chat forums, with a special focus on creating professional online learning communities.
The session was attended by officials from the Department of Basic Education (DBE), the South African Council for Educators (SACE), Provincial Education Departments (PEDs), the National Education Collaboration Trust (NECT), VVOB as well as representatives from all five teacher unions.
The Platform will provide accurate data regarding approved providers and their endorsed activities; validate providers in alignment with SACE approval, as well as Continuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) points allocation. In addition, the integration will align the categories of activities with a three-level category tagging system for ease of management. The Platform will enable teachers to be automatically accredited with points, rather than being processed manually, whilst keeping the roles of the DBE and SACE separate. Both SACE and the DBE have developed draft specifications for the integrated Platform, along with feedback tools. Advantages of the integration will avoid the duplication of data gathering whilst ensuring the accuracy of the data. The integrated system will be more efficient and cost-effective, contributing to the effectiveness of teacher development in the country, and to the culture of professional learning amongst educators.
The DBE’s efforts in this regard, are driven by the DBE’s National Institute for Curriculum and Professional Development (NICPD). Mr Enoch Rabotapi, Chief Director, explained that, “The NICPD is a network-hub model, driven by teacher needs to contribute to the improved quality of teacher education and development. The NICPD keeps curriculum implementation and delivery in sharp focus to identify gaps, trends and new ways of teaching. The NICPD has collaborated with Vodacom and UNISA to provide training to Teacher Centre Managers. This has improved the capacity of teacher centres to drive programmes for teacher training, including promoting the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). The NICPD has developed a Professional Development Framework for Digital Learning, which outlines the key competencies that teachers must have to integrate digital learning into teaching and learning. The framework is expected to serve as a guide to providers of training in ICT. The NICPD has also collaborated with other countries within the SADC region to develop a regional framework for teacher standards. These standards have assisted SACE to develop Professional Teaching Standards.