The app has a Health Check feature that gives a Covid-19 digital risk assessment. It also has a mapping tool that the Department of Health can use to track and monitor potential cases.
“Teacher Connect is a one stop digital solution for teachers and learners in the time of COVID-19 pandemic. It will greatly assist in the phased reopening of all the schools. This tool helps us to align with the health department’s protocols on screening, testing and linkages to care,” said Motshekga.
In order to access the app teachers, parents and learners can save the Teacher Connect app number on 060 060 3333 to conduct a health check. They can then login on the platform and answer a few questions relating to COVID-19 symptoms and risk.
“It puts the non-pharmaceutical measures firmly in the hands of the schooling community, teachers, non-teaching staff, parents and learners,” said Motshekga.
“This is part and parcel of our final onslaught against COVID-19 as we gradually open our economy but also put everything in place to protect our education and all its related benefits.”
Those classified as moderate or high risk they will be entered into the Health department’s tracking and tracing process.
“We think it will give some confidence to parents and caregivers about all the different safety measures that we are putting in place to make sure that our children in particular, and our teachers and entire school community remains safe,” said Motshekga.
This app is just one of the many initiatives the Basic Education department has set up to give support to learners during this time.
STEM Lockdown Digital School: #LockdowneSchool
The Lockdown digital school offers a wide range of online lessons to pupils in grade R to 12 during the lockdown period.
The lessons are recorded live and can be accessed on the Africa Teen Geeks website, Facebook page and the Department of Basic Education website. In addition to the live teaching lessons, pupils also have access to notes and worksheets on the Africa Teen Geeks website.
SABC Educational Channel
The SABC Education channel broadcast educational programmes on SABC 1, 2, 3, and archived material produced by the SABC.
The channel is a long-term initiative that is aimed at education learners in the foundation, intermediate, high school, civic and tertiary education phases.
The content can be streamed by using SABC platforms such as:
- SABC Education - www.sabceducation.co.za
- SABC Education Virtual Academy (SEVA) www.seva.co.za
- SABC Education Social Media Networks (Facebook, Twitter and YouTube)
Woza Matrics
This programme was launched to help grade 12 learners catch up with school work. Classes will be broadcast on TV channels, online platforms and radio.
Woza Matrics covers a range of grade 12 subjects like:
- Maths
- Maths Literacy
- Life Sciences
- Geography
- Physical Science
- Accounting, Economics
- English First Additional Language
- History
- Business Studies.
