Draft White Paper on e-Education - South African Government ...

Chapter Three: The Use of ICT in Educatione-learning (learning through the use of ICT)3.1 The introduction of information and communication technology (ICT) ineducation represents an important part of Government’s strategy to improve thequality of learning and teaching across the education and training system. Thepolicy intention is to focus on learning and teaching for a new generation ofyoung people who are growing up in a digital world, and are comfortable withtechnology. Our schools must reflect these realities.3.2 The policy intention is not just to build technical skills, but also to use ICT toextend and enrich educational experiences across the curriculum. The objectiveis to build digital and information literacy so that all learners become confidentand competent in using technology to contribute to an innovative anddeveloping South African society.3.3 e-learning is about learning and teaching philosophies and methodologies withinthe context of outcomes-based education, using ICT in the learningenvironment. Enriching the learning environment through the use of ICT is acontinuum, a process that takes learners and teachers through learning aboutICT (exploring what can be done with ICT), learning with ICT (using ICT tosupplement normal processes or resources), and learning through the use ofICT (using ICT to support new ways of teaching and learning).3.4 e-learning will not replace teachers, but it will enhance the quality and reach oftheir teaching and reduce the time spent on administrative chores. In introducinge-learning, we must make sure that we balance it with other teaching andlearning methods. e-learning should recognise that its value is linked to itssuitability to individual learning and teaching styles and strategies.3.5 It is “learning through the use of ICT” that most fully realises the potential of ICTand that this policy directive aims to pursue. Learning through the use of ICT is