On the 8th of September 2020, Basic Education
Minister Angie Motshekga launched the Teacher Connect application at
Lemoshanang Teacher Development Centre in
Atteridgeville, Pretoria. A free real time-based mentorship platform
available via WhatsApp. The Teacher Connect app affords users the ability to connect, be a helpdesk,
and provide learning and mentoring through real-time dashboards.
The TeacherConnect platform has been developed as a way of
empowering and supporting teachers by providing access to useful content and
resources.
Also, on the TeacherConnect application is HealthCheck, a tool
that’s available on the platform and it plays a crucial role in facilitating
the reopening of schools to teachers, learners and support staff. This self-assessment
goes with the Department of Basic Education’s protocol on Screening, Testing
and linkage to care.Teachers are encouraged to do a daily HealthCheck through
the TeacherConnect platform where they will answer questions relating to COVID-19
symptoms and risk, it will also be extended to learners and parents in a phased
approach. Developed for the South African National Department of Health by
Praekelt.org.
To
access the app, teachers, parents and learners can save the Teacher Connect app
number on 060 060 3333 to conduct a health check.
#TeacherConnect
