Umlazi District Vodacom

Connectivity Project: 2014

District ICT Update

New District website www.umlazi.districts.education

District eCommunication Platform: www.umlaziict.webs.com

New approach to District ICT support (Circular No. 3 of 2014)

ICT Integration Guideline Document (Draft)

School ICT Strategy (ICT Champion, ICT Circuit Activities, Challenges)

eWaste and Donations

ICT Audit (District/Head Office)

Important Documents (SAConnect, White Paper 7, Action Plan 2014)

Feedback on school related ICT issues by Principals

The aim of the Project is to provide connectivity to schools…Hardware:

26x Tablets

1x Laptop

1x Data Projector

1x IWB

2x Printers

1x Mobile Trolley

1x WAP unit

1x Server

Connectivity:

It must cover a 200 meter radius

Access is eRated

USAASA will pay for internet connection for a year

Support:

3 months support will be provided by Vodacom after installation.

First line of support will be the District and if there is a need, Vodacom will be contacted to attend to the problem.

After 3 months, support will be provided by the District alone.

Challenges:

Signal Strength and range boosters are a must during installation

SIM Card utilized during the installation should be the SIM card that will be left at the school.

Clarification on how and when Data bundles/internet cap will be controlled.

Direct Contact Numbers with responsible parties regarding internet connection (e.g.: SIM Card, Data Bundles management)

Type of internet connection (Capped or uncapped)

Tips during installation

Identify a secure room to store tablets and other mobile equipment.

After installation, test all tablets to see it they are able to connect to the Wi-Fi Network or not.

Ensure that all passwords for devices are provided.

Confirm training will be provided before signing off.

Do not sign anything until all work is complete and you are satisfied that devices are able to access the network within a 200 meter radius from the point of installation.

If it is possible, identify a room that is situated in a central location in the school to ensure maximized connectivity.

Integration Issues

The Mobile Lab is meant to be utilized by all subjects

The tablets are meant to be utilized by learners

The school needs to update its ICT strategy to accommodate the utilization of tablets in the classroom

Teachers need to take note of the following:

How is the teacher going to stop learners from playing games during the lesson?

How is the teacher going to control unauthorized access to the internet?

Lesson planning and assessment need to be adapted to the current environment.

Filtering of websites with explicit content can be regulated through certain tablet applications available on Google Play Store.

The firewall is managed by Vodacom

School must book with Curriculum Support Services (CSS) for ICT Support

MST/ICT (Head Office)

Project Background

Project Implementation/Rollout

Project Highlights/Challenges

Provincial ICT Update

Message of support

Thank you.

There is a need for capacity building on e-Education issues

by Mr T.W. MchunuICT Coordinator