Abstract
M.Ed.
This research provides an analysis on provisioning of information and communication technology (ICT) resources at public further education and training (FET) at Gert Sibande region in Mpumalanga province. In particular the research focuses on the readiness of public FET schools in Gert Sibande region to implement e-Education policy. The main purpose of this inquiry is to conduct baseline surveys focused on the factors that may influence the provisioning of ICT resources in the Gert Sibande region in the MDE.
The literature study revealed that computers can deliver and promote high quality education (Kuperstein and Gentile, 1998: 87). Information and Communication Technology (ICT) adds more value to education systems (Forcier, 1996). Since the use of ICT in schools has been shown to be effective, many educators, parents and students already believe that ICT should be the integral part of the South African Education System (Department of Education, 1996). In this study I have collected quantitative data from the participants through survey questionnaires from both the school management teams (SMT) and ICT officials at Gert Sibande region.
From the findings on analysis of data, I clustered survey questions (See Annexure A & B) with similar focus into four categories each of which will be explained in greater detail in chapter 4 and 5, namely:
• White paper 7 (Interaction), derived from question 4 and 7,
• Capacity development of ICT literacy of educators, resultant of question 2
• Policies on distribution/provisioning of ICT resources, derived from question 5, 6, 7 and 8, and
• Feasibility of White paper 7 on e-education derived from question 9 and 10.
Prof. D. van der Westhuizen