Smart learning tablets boost education in Cape Town schools

This morning marked a significant step forward for digital education in South Africa, as the Department of Basic Education, in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies, held a joint handover of smart learning tablets. The event took place at Forest Village Leadership Academy in Cape Town, where these tablets, generously donated by Primedia, were distributed. This initiative is a vital part of our ongoing efforts to improve school connectivity, enhance digital literacy, and provide access to coding and robotics education across the nation’s basic education system, working with the private sector to bridge the digital divide for every learner.

Detailed list of activities

• Place: The joint handover event took place at Forest Village Leadership Academy in Cape Town.
• People involved: The handover was a collaborative effort involving representatives from the Department of Basic Education and the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr Solly Malatsi.
• Companies or institutions involved: The smart learning tablets were generously donated by Primedia. The initiative is a joint effort between the Department of Basic Education and the Ministry of Communications and Digital Technologies.
• Purpose of the activity: This handover forms part of an ongoing drive to expand school connectivity, improve digital literacy among learners and educators, and increase access to coding and robotics education within South Africa’s basic education system.
• Overall goal: The long-term aim is to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that no learner is left behind in the digital age, through strong partnerships with the private sector.

Departmental activities and the drive for digital education

The Department of Basic Education is committed to transforming South Africa’s education landscape, and the recent handover of smart learning tablets at Forest Village Leadership Academy in Cape Town is a shining example of this commitment. This initiative, undertaken jointly with the Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Mr Solly Malatsi, underscores our dedication to preparing our learners for the future.

The tablets, kindly donated by Primedia, are more than just gadgets; they are powerful tools designed to unlock new opportunities for our students. They play a crucial role in our broader strategy to enhance school connectivity, ensuring that more classrooms across the country have access to online learning resources. Furthermore, they are instrumental in promoting digital literacy, equipping learners with the essential skills needed to navigate an increasingly digital world. A key focus of this programme is also to expand access to coding and robotics education, which are critical subjects for fostering innovation, problem-solving skills, and preparing learners for future careers in technology and engineering.

We firmly believe that strong partnerships with the private sector are essential to achieving our goals. Collaborations like the one with Primedia allow us to accelerate our efforts to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that quality digital education is accessible to all, regardless of their socio-economic background or geographic location. Our vision is clear: to leave no learner behind, providing every child in South Africa with the tools and skills they need to succeed in the 21st century. For more information on our initiatives and educational policies, please visit the official Department of Basic Education website. You can also keep up-to-date with more of our activities and news by exploring our news section.

Frequently asked questions

1. What are smart learning tablets?
   Smart learning tablets are portable digital devices designed for educational purposes. They come pre-loaded with educational content, access to online learning platforms, and tools for digital literacy, coding, and robotics.
2. Which schools are eligible to receive these tablets?
   The Department of Basic Education prioritises schools in underserved areas and those identified as needing enhanced digital infrastructure to help bridge the digital divide. The specific criteria for eligibility are determined based on ongoing assessments and programme rollout plans.
3. How can my child’s school apply for digital learning resources like these?
   Schools interested in receiving digital learning resources should contact their provincial Department of Education or monitor the official DBE website for announcements regarding application processes and eligibility criteria for various programmes.
4. Who is Primedia and why are they donating tablets?
   Primedia is a leading South African media and advertising group. They are donating tablets as part of their corporate social responsibility initiatives, partnering with the government to contribute to educational development and digital inclusion in the country.
5. What is coding and robotics education?
   Coding education teaches learners how to write computer programmes, while robotics education involves designing, building, and operating robots. Both fields are crucial for developing computational thinking, problem-solving skills, and preparing students for future technological careers.
6. How do these tablets help bridge the digital divide?
   The digital divide refers to the gap between those who have access to modern information and communication technology and those who do not. By providing tablets and connectivity, we ensure more learners in previously disadvantaged areas gain access to digital tools and skills, closing this gap.
7. Are teachers trained to use these smart learning tablets effectively?
   Yes, alongside the provision of tablets, the Department of Basic Education often implements training programmes for teachers to ensure they are proficient in using the devices and integrating digital learning tools into their curriculum effectively.
8. Where can I find more information about the Department of Basic Education’s digital education initiatives?
   You can find comprehensive information about all our digital education programmes, policies, and progress on the official Department of Basic Education website. You can also check our news page for recent updates and activities.
9. Are these tablets safe for children to use, and how is online safety managed?
   The tablets are intended for educational use, and efforts are made to ensure a safe learning environment. The Department works to implement appropriate safeguards and encourages schools to educate learners on online safety and responsible digital citizenship.