Educators’ competence in the integration of computers in teaching and learning is an important aspect of the improvement of standards of education both locally and worldwide. The fact that educators at the selected school perceived themselves to be competent in and enthusiastic about the use of computers to conduct educational activities holds great promise for the future of our educational endeavours. However, the reality is that there is still a lot of work to be done. The researcher has noted that the GautengOnline project and the Education and Training Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP Seta) are currently (2004) funding 100 educators at Rand Afrikaans University to study the Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE): Educational Computing. This is a two year programme which includes theory and practical about the use of computers in teaching and learning. The ACE: Educational Computing is a curricular offering that empowers educators to employ ICT in teaching and learning activities. The course will also give educators the opportunity to design and develop educational multimedia and interactive web-based learning environments. The researcher learnt that that the course is not about ICT, but it is a course about teaching with ICT. Towards the end of this study (May 2004) the GautengOnline project had started to provide training sessions to all educators in each GautengOnline school (rather than only five per school)l. These training sessions are conducted during four consecutive Saturdays and take place at the schools. It seems that the GautengOnline project and other role players are continuously contributing to addressing the digital divide that exists in South African schools. / Mr. G.V. Lautenbach

This study is aimed at providing the reader with a detailed description of the readiness of teachers to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for learning in a selected school in the GautengOnline (GoL) Project, through qualitative research design that used various data collecting methods: Questionnaire, observations and interview. A large number of teachers showed some interest in using ICT learning but had difficulties on how to get started due to the lack of suitable ICT skills. It has been observed that computers in this school are mainly used by a few teachers for administration purposes. Four teacher participants were interviewed individually to find how ready were they to integrate ICT for learning after the GoL training has been completed. The interviews revealed that there was no ICT integration that was taking place in this school due to training that left them with insufficient ICT integration skills and knowledge. The research results provided evidence that there was poor utilisation of ICT integration in this school, though teachers were interested in using computers. The research indicated that many teachers are reluctant to attempt to integrate computers into teaching and learning without ICT teaching assistance. Teaching assistance may only need to be for a limited period until teachers gain confidence and competence, although the need for technical assistance is likely to be permanent. In the literature review, ideas are given on how ICT can be integrated for learning and the aims of ICT integration are also provided for teachers to obtain knowledge of what is required of them in ICT integration. In the final chapter, recommendations for further research are highlighted to make ICT integration possible in this selected school. Lack of skills and knowledge of how to use ICT for learning has led the teachers in this school to take no notice of how learners can benefit in learning with computers.Clearly, there is still a long way to go before some schools and some teachers are able to use computers as effectively and efficiently for teaching and learning. The Gauteng Department of Education and the GautengOnline project will need to ensure that usage of ICT in individual schools and classes does not fall below acceptable ICT standards. / Prof. D. van der Westhuizen