Tech in the Classroom: AI and E-Learning Trends in Gauteng Schools

Gauteng schools are increasingly embracing technology to transform education, with digital tools and artificial intelligence (AI) playing pivotal roles in shaping the learning environment. This article explores current trends, challenges, and future prospects of tech integration in Gauteng’s classrooms.

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Government Initiatives and Digital Infrastructure

Since the early 2000s, South Africa’s government has prioritised ICT integration in education. Gauteng’s comprehensive ICT and E-Education Strategy (2014) aims to equip schools with infrastructure, devices, internet connectivity, and teacher training to prepare learners for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

Despite these efforts, many township schools, especially quintile 1 schools serving disadvantaged communities, still face infrastructural challenges such as unreliable electricity and limited internet access. These gaps hinder full digital adoption and widen the educational divide.

Learning Tablets at Ratanda Secondary School: A Case Study

Ratanda Secondary School in a Gauteng township exemplifies efforts to bridge this divide. The school introduced learning tablets shared between two students, preloaded with educational apps like KeyBlaze, Typing Tutor, Wikipedia, and access to South Africa’s Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) via “My Core CAPS”.

These tablets enable interactive learning through videos, quizzes, and collaborative online activities. The initiative aims to improve proficiency in STEM subjects, where Gauteng faces declining matric pass rates, particularly in mathematics and physical science.

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Teacher Training and Adoption Challenges

While digital tools offer promise, many teachers, especially older ones, struggle to adapt. Approximately 70% of Gauteng educators feel uncertain about advanced technologies like virtual reality (VR), highlighting the need for targeted professional development.

Students also face usability issues with tablets, often preferring smartphones. To address this, schools conduct workshops and mentorship programmes to build digital literacy and appreciation for ICT.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education

AI is emerging as a transformative force in Gauteng’s classrooms. Educators envision AI-powered tools enhancing personalised learning, automating assessments, and supporting diverse learners. For example, VR combined with AI can simulate complex scientific processes, making abstract concepts tangible.

However, experts caution that without sufficient government investment in digital infrastructure, AI adoption risks widening existing educational inequalities. Collaboration between government and private sectors is essential to ensure equitable access.

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Curriculum Innovation: Coding and Robotics

To equip learners with 21st-century skills, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has introduced coding and robotics into the curriculum. Piloted in 2024 and scaling up through 2026 and beyond, this programme exposes learners to programming, AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things.

Provincial education departments, including Gauteng’s, are mobilising resources and training teachers to support this major curriculum shift, aligning education with future job market demands.

Preparing Learners for the Future Job Market

Beyond classroom technology, Gauteng schools like Ratanda organise industrial field trips and career expos to connect education with real-world opportunities. These initiatives aim to develop critical thinking and technical skills relevant to the evolving labour market.

Gauteng’s education sector is making significant strides in integrating technology and AI into learning environments. While infrastructural and training challenges remain, initiatives like learning tablets, AI applications, and coding curricula are paving the way for a digitally empowered generation. Continued investment and collaboration are vital to ensure all learners benefit equally from these advancements.