Applying online is the future, let us all embrace it

“The new information technology... internet and e-mail... have practically eliminated the physical costs of communications,” said Peter Drucker, an American management guru.

Indeed, by reducing the physical costs of communications, information communication technology (ICT) is an increasingly powerful tool for participating in global markets; promoting political accountability; improving the delivery of basic services; and enhancing local development opportunities.

That is why as part of the Gauteng Department of Education’s (GDE) strategic plan to engage and partner with parents, all applications for the 2018 academic year will be submitted online.

Central to the GDE’s vision are the twin polities of “e-governance” and “eeducation”, which the government has propelled to the forefront of service delivery initiatives.

The GDE is working hard to modernise the delivery of information and government services.

As an economic development enabler, encouraging the proliferation of ICT in the delivery of education has given us access to an array of information and knowledge unheard of in the past.

We are investing in e-education so that children and their parents can grow with relevance and skills.

By using the Admissions Application Online System website (www.gdeadmission.gov.za) which this year opened on May 2 and closes October 20 , families will be able to register a child’s information, thus minimising wait times and paperwork as well as ensure accuracy of information.

Apart from applying from the comfort of their homes and offices, parents and guardians can do so at schools, district offices, teacher centres and other identified sites.

Those without internet can visit their local community libraries, where they would be assisted with their registration.

People should also utilise free Wi- Fi hotspots in their areas to login to the site and register for their children for the 2018 school year.

Upon successful submission of the application form, the parents and guardians shall be provided with a waiting list number.

Priority will be given to those who apply on time. Parents are urged to confirm offers of placement urgently, failing which they will lose those offers.

This new online system will enable us to serve families better by easing the registration process.

South Africa and Gauteng are not alone in e-government and e-education. As a country we are a signatory of Connect 2020 Agenda.

International Telecommunication Union member states have committed to work towards “an information society, empowered by the interconnected world, where telecommunication and ICT enables and accelerates socially, economically and environmentally sustainable growth and development for everyone.”

Of course last year the GDE came under heavy criticism after the online registration system crashed.

All challenges have been overcome and we hope that the critics, who wanted parents to queue at schools like before, have begun to realise the benefits of the system.

The online learner registration process is the future.

The future is paperless. Let us all embrace it.

(Gauteng’s online registration is currently for grades 1 and 8 only.)

‘ ‘ We are investing so that children and parents can grow skills