6 days ago
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In keeping with the goal of transforming the learning experience for students, Minister of Education, Skills, Youth and Information, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, is urging educators across Jamaica to embrace technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
Speaking during the Beginning Teachers Synergy Conference at The Mico University College in Kingston on Tuesday (March 4), Minister Morris Dixon emphasised the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the nation’s future and the Government’s commitment to equipping them with the necessary tools and resources.
“Every single doctor, engineer, artist, even prime minister, they got their start and their encouragement through a teacher. Your influence extends far beyond the classroom; you are building the character of our country. The entire future of our country rests on your shoulders,” she stated.
In recognition of the rapid advancements in technology and its impact on education, Senator Morris Dixon urged teachers to integrate these tools into their teaching methods.
“Our children don’t want anyone standing at the board just talking to them. They want to see the technology embedded in it,” she pointed out.
Acknowledging that many teachers may not be comfortable with technology, Senator Morris Dixon assured them of the Ministry’s support.
“As new emerging teachers, work with the technology, use the technology; the entire system depends on you to use the technology,” the Minister urged.
She indicated that the Ministry is committed to providing every teacher with a device, pointing out that “we cannot be asking you to be tech-savvy and we don’t give you the tools”.
More than 25,000 vouchers have already been issued to teachers to subsidise the purchase of laptop computers, with more to be distributed this term.
“When you go into the classroom, you’re going to get your voucher, and that is a central promise from the Ministry,” Senator Morris Dixon stated.
In addition, e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited will be rolling out hundreds of interactive smart boards and thousands of laptop devices islandwide.
The Ministry has connected more than 700 schools to the National Broadband Network to facilitate online learning and access to educational resources.
“When we’re putting the Internet in schools, it’s not so that students can go on TikTok. It’s really to facilitate learning,” Senator Morris Dixon underscored.
Additionally, computer labs across the country will be upgraded to provide students without computers at home with access to digital technology.
The European Union (EU) has funded the development of information and communications technology (ICT) courses for pre-service and in-service teacher-training programmes.
The University of the West Indies (UWI) now boasts a state-of-the-art lab where teachers are taught to use AI and augmented reality to gamify learning.
“At the UWI, we were experimenting with a game that was teaching you about various molecules and atoms. That is the future we want to see and that’s the future I want you to help me to build in our schools,” the Minister said.
Senator Morris Dixon also highlighted the importance of understanding and utilising AI in education.
“AI is here. AI’s not going anywhere, and we have to figure out how we use it,” she declared.
The Minister said AI’s potential extends beyond students using ChatGPT for homework, highlighting opportunities to enhance teaching and learning through innovative applications.
She also noted the potential of Jamaican students and the importance of providing them with the tools to succeed in a globalised world.
“Our children are no less good than any child anywhere else in the world. They deserve a teaching environment that understands that the world is theirs, with the tools that students in First-World countries are getting. That’s what we have to do and that’s what we have to commit to,” Minister Morris Dixon stated.
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