Current Use of Technology in Caribbean Classrooms: A Focus on Jamaica

Integrating technology into education is increasingly vital, especially in the Caribbean, where digital tools can significantly enhance learning and prepare students for the future. The availability of classroom technology offers educators the chance to transform traditional teaching methods, fostering a more engaging and interactive environment. By utilizing digital tools such as interactive whiteboards, educational apps, and online resources, teachers can address diverse learning styles, promoting creativity and critical thinking among students.

Initiative: The Jamaica Digital Classroom Initiative

The Government of Jamaica has implemented the "Tablets in Schools Programme" to enhance digital learning among students. This initiative aims to provide tablet computers to students and teachers, facilitating access to digital resources and online learning platforms.

Implementation of the Initiative

The programme commenced with a pilot phase, distributing approximately 24,000 tablets to students and 1,200 to teachers across various educational institutions, including pre-primary, primary, all-age, junior high, high schools, a teacher's college, and a special education institution. Based on insights from the pilot, the strategy evolved to supply class sets of tablets for shared use, rather than individual allocations. This adjustment aimed to maximize resource utilization and benefit a larger number of schools and students. Additionally, a 'Bring Your Own Device' (BYOD) pilot was introduced in 25 schools to further integrate personal devices into the learning environment. The Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Overseas Examinations Commission, invested $250 million to enhance ICT capabilities in selected secondary schools, providing computers, software, and security systems. As of January 2019, 26 secondary schools received 30 computer systems each. Overall, the initiative planned to distribute over 6,000 computers and related devices to educational institutions at all levels.

Feedback and Effectiveness

The 'Tablets in Schools Programme' has been instrumental in digitally empowering students, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated a shift to online learning. By the end of the 2020-2021 school year, more than 125,000 tablets had been issued to students, significantly enhancing their ability to participate in virtual classes. Teachers have also been equipped with tablets to support the delivery of online content, ensuring continuity in education. However, challenges such as sustaining changes in teaching practices beyond the initial project phase have been noted. A study highlighted the need for ongoing support and training for teachers to effectively integrate technology into literacy instruction.

How have you or your institution successfully integrated technology into the classroom, and what challenges have you encountered along the way?

References

Angus, G. L. (2020, November 12). Tablets in schools programme empowering students. Jamaica Information Service. https://jis.gov.jm/tablets-in-schools-programme-empowering-students/

Cabinet Approves Full Roll-Out of Tablets in Schools Programme. Ministry of Education and Youth. (2019, January 8). https://moey.gov.jm/cabinet-approves-full-roll-out-of-tablets-in-schools-programme/

e-Learning Jamaica. (2012, November 15). E-learning jamaica project. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ico6DAtkato