The Eastern Cape Department of Education is hosting a five-day workshop, on Change Management, managing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in SA Schools and the use of digital devices for Deputy Chief Education Specialists (DCES), Chief Education Specialists (CES), Senior Education Specialists (SES) and Subject Advisors at the Mandla Makupula Education Leadership Institute in East London.

According to Lutho Kota, E-Teaching and Learning Director, the objective is to ensure professional development of all officials supporting teachers in ICT implementation and use within classrooms. 

“This training program addresses critical goals and objectives related to professional development and ICT integration in education.”

Patricia Nontobeko Nofumba, a DCES at E-Teaching and Learning Directorate said; “This training is to address the 4^th Industrial Revolution, where DCES, CES and Subject Advisors can support Districts, Teachers and Schools with their digital devices and gadgets.

A big portion of the time on day two was spent on “Shaping the mindsets, where participants were addressing fears, resistance and ignorance when coming to the use of digital devices and agreed that they need to shift their discomfort about ICT and not make it about them, but about the learner and their futures. 

They all agreed that “You need to be the change you want to see.”

Sydney Swazi a CES for Curriculum in the Buffalo City Metro District, excitedly shared that when he returns to his district, they are going to immediately meet as head trainers to reflect on the workshop, organize a workshop for all Subject Advisors in the Metro, to cascade all the valuable information. 

The Subject Advisors will then train their teachers, so all schools can benefit from this ICT training.

Gabislie Mncono, a SES from Buffalo City Metro, had this to say about the ICT training; “The module Change Management was an eye opener, as a starting point to make professionals understand why we need a change of mindset across the sector, in order to implement ICT integration. 

”Gabisile went on to say that she has realized that there is a lot she does not know about ICT, it is therefore imperative for officials to know how to operate these devices.”

The goal for E-Teaching and Learning is through the implementation of effective change management strategies and the promotion of ICT integration, the program ultimately aims to contribute to the overall improvement of the education system, leading to better learning outcomes for students and enhanced educational experiences.