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Question 933
Mrs C Dudley (ACDP) to ask the Minister of Basic Education:
1. Whether laptops will be a condition of service for teachers, if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, (a) what arrangements have been made to train teachers to use it optimally and (b) what steps have been taken to ensure the safety of (i) teachers receiving laptops (ii) laptops kept on school premises?
Reply:
1. Yes, the Teacher Laptop Initiative was declared as a condition of service in Government Gazette Nr 514 of 8 May 2009, and will be phased in to cover all educators by 30 June 2011.
(a) Self-training software is included in the minimum specifications of the package the teacher is required to purchase. This includes basic skills training in using the computer technology in everyday life and information communication technology (ICT) skills for teachers which involve specific aspects of using ICT for teaching and learning. These training materials could be used by schools, districts and PEDs for organised training for groups
(b) (i) Noting that the ownership of the laptop renders with the educators and that the monthly allowance is a condition of service. Educators who participate in the initiative will be responsible for their own security in relation to the storage and carrying of the laptop to and from school. In addition, the department has made it a requirement that an educator must provide proof that the laptop is insured before payment of the allowance is approved.
(ii) It is not expected that laptops will be kept on school premises. However, in schools where there is adequate security and depending on the terms of insurance that the educator has chosen, an educator may be able to keep their laptop on the school premises.