Dokora says no cell phones in schools- they are dysfunctional in a learning context

Education Minister Lazarus Dokora says his ministry has not made any comment on the use of cell phones in schools because they are dysfunctional in a learning context.

Responding to a question from Senator Damian Mumvuri on Thursday, Dokora said pupils could, however, use smart phones, laptops, ipads and tablets.

“Smart phones, tablets and so on can be a good source of information where students research on various subjects under the control and guidance of professionals. These professionals are fully in control,” he said.

Q & A:

ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS WITH NOTICE CONSULTATION OF PARENTS AND SCHOOL AUTHORITIES ON MAJOR POLICY CHANGES

2. SENATOR MUMVURI asked the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education to state whether the Ministry consults parents and school authorities on major policy changes in schools considering that there is no consensus on the use of cell phones by students at schools among all stakeholders.

THE MINISTER OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION (DR. DOKORA): Yes, the Ministry consults parents and school authorities and invests in research on major policy changes. The recent countrywide consultation on the new curriculum is a perfect example. The Ministry has not made a comment on the use of cell phones because they are dysfunctional in a learning context. There is policy in the use and embracing of technologies such as smart phones, laptops, iPads and tablets. Desktops are still welcome but quite clearly, technologies are evolving as the hon. senators know.

Smart phones, tablets and so on can be a good source of information where students research on various subjects under the control and guidance of professionals. These professionals are fully in control. Every behaviour in cyber space on the World Wide Web is ruled, governed and controlled by passwords or codes to enter various spaces. I invite hon. senators through you Mr. President, to visit Harare High School for a demo.

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