Issued by Department of Education
16 May 2000
Technology is bringing South Africa's Education Minister Kader Asmal closer to the people, with the launch of a new service by the Department of Education, MWeb and SchoolNet SA.
On Tuesday 16 May 2000 at 12:30/12:45, Minister Kader Asmal will launch the first in a series of online Internet chats, which will allow participating teachers to ask questions interactively through the Internet, and receive answers in real time.
Minister Kader Asmal requested the service after learning about a similar programme in Denmark. The primary target audience is teachers, and discussion is expected to focus on critical education issues facing schools. The theme of the launch chat is: TIRISANO - what role can teachers play?
This forms part of the Ministers Call to action. The teacher in the classroom is a very important key to the success of education and training. With this initiative the Minister wants to close the gap between the teacher and himself by giving them an opportunity to interact with him directly. The Minister believes that this can build the professionalism and moral of teachers in South Africa - first to interact with him directly and secondly to use technology available to close the gap.
Minister Asmal sees online chats as yet another way of using the Internet for effective communication. "I look forward to this extension of contacts with people working in education. I'll be ready to answer any education-related question – and if I don't have the answer immediately available, I'll get back to you later. Many thanks to MWeb and SchoolNet SA for making this innovative project possible."
The chatline will be accessible to anyone with an Internet connection, and operates through standard web browsers such as Internet Explorer or Netscape. The Department of Education with SchoolNet SA chose MWeb as technology partner for the service because of its expertise in building online communities. This has set the tone and teachers can expect extensive coverage on all fundamental issues impacting on education for the rest of the year.
Minster Kader Asmal will be appearing live on a regular basis, and other key education figures will be invited to follow suit.
Enquiries: Bheki Khumalo at 082 781 2660 or 021 465 7350
To participate, visit the MWeb's Education News at:
http://www.mweb.co.za/learning/edunews/