Smart Phones In Schools: A Teaching Aid Or Distraction?

The recent announcement by the Basic Education minister, Unity Dow, for the introduction of communication gadgets in the class has received mixed reactions from the public and teachers.

The reason advanced by the minister is that students can use smart phones and laptops as a learning tool. Smart phones and laptops of course are necessary, and they can be used as learning tools, with proper controls put in place. The minister argued that teachers would have to “manage their classrooms and make sure that the gadgets are used properly and according to teachers’ rules”. The statement surely makes sense, in a perfect world.

Teachers have complained about conditions of service for a long time. The number of students in public schools per class per teacher is overwhelming. Public schools across the country still have the challenge of overcrowding, where it is not uncommon for students to exceed 40 in a class.

Editor's Comment
Masisi should avoid diplomatic tensions

Mokgweetsi Masisi’s recent spats regarding the supposed involvement of Eswatini and South Africa in accommodating former president Ian Khama have sparked concerns about the potential ramifications on diplomatic relations. While transparency is valued, it must be accompanied by strategic communication to mitigate unintended consequences.President Masisi’s comments during a diplomatic heads meeting have drawn attention to the delicate balance...

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