Sustainabilty is to be able to maintain a balance, but with growth as the end result. The balance implies X input = X+ output e.g. what we do now as A, must reflects tomorrow as A+.

To make it applicable to the educational environment:

S = Schools
U = Utilities (LAB + Computers + Textbooks etc)
S = Should
T = Transform (its learning environment)
A = And the
I = Input
N = Now (today by the school’ educators)
A = Adds eventually
B = Better
I = Initiative ( and growth)
L = Later
I = In
T = The
Y = Year (to the learners and their future).

Albie

Yip, this is a difficult one, especially at rural schools. Computers need to be maintained. Software needs to be updated. Hardware needs to be replaced after a certain life span. All of this requires planning, skills and resources. It is not sufficient just to install 20 computers in a school, in the same way that you would install electricity or water, and expect all of them to still be working after 6 months or a year.

Yes, this challenge is upon us and cannot be taken lightly. We need to cast the net as wide and far as possible to ensure a good tomorrow for ICT in our schools. How to manage this process should be an ongoing discussion among all involved. Let’s talk.

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The problem at many of our schools is responsibility. Very few people want to step up and do something, no matter how small. At many of my schools e-learning somehow becomes a “political” hot potato with somebody wanting to be in charge and fighting about it, but doing nothing. Does this make sense?

What is also required at school is the one educator or a group of educators who grow and nurture their own talent in ICT and passing this on to others. Each-one-teach-one grows learning and teaching. Have we forgotten this or am I still living in the eighties? Aluta Continua! The struggle continues…..against illiteracy and all other ills that plague society.

Sustainability with regards to Hardware and Software = Finance.
Although schools should focus on replacement of especially the hardware in future, it is important to focus on the hardware which is available at the school PRESENTLY. Preventative measures should be put in place to prolong the lifetime of Computers we have.
Computer labs should be dust free, air conditioned, and the equipment should be used correctly, to name but a few. A UPS which is in working condition is also vital.
It is thus very important to have a sustainability plan in place which serves as a “working document”, and includes directives for “computer usage”.