Abstract
Educators’ competence in the integration of computers in teaching and learning is an important aspect of the improvement of standards of education both locally and worldwide. The fact that educators at the selected school perceived themselves to be competent in and enthusiastic about the use of computers to conduct educational activities holds great promise for the future of our educational endeavours. However, the reality is that there is still a lot of work to be done. The researcher has noted that the GautengOnline project and the Education and Training Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP Seta) are currently (2004) funding 100 educators at Rand Afrikaans University to study the Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE): Educational Computing. This is a two year programme which includes theory and practical about the use of computers in teaching and learning. The ACE: Educational Computing is a curricular offering that empowers educators to employ ICT in teaching and learning activities. The course will also give educators the opportunity to design and develop educational multimedia and interactive web-based learning environments. The researcher learnt that that the course is not about ICT, but it is a course about teaching with ICT. Towards the end of this study (May 2004) the GautengOnline project had started to provide training sessions to all educators in each GautengOnline school (rather than only five per school)l. These training sessions are conducted during four consecutive Saturdays and take place at the schools. It seems that the GautengOnline project and other role players are continuously contributing to addressing the digital divide that exists in South African schools.
Mr. G.V. Lautenbach