Gov't to provide more computers for schools

Jamaica Observer

Friday, January 20, 2012

MINISTER of State in the Ministry of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Julian Robinson, says more computer equipment will be provided soon for educational institutions, under the Government’s e-Learning Jamaica Project.

“In the coming months, the e-Learning programme will roll out additional lap tops to be delivered to 176 institutions, to support Grades 10 and 11 and group lab technology deployment strategies,” Robinson said.

He was speaking at the launch of a science and technology workshop at the Christar Villas Hotel in Kingston yesterday.

Robinson said computer equipment and networks will also be delivered to an additional four high schools and 16 independent schools, and systems administrators will be trained. In addition, Interactive Whiteboards will also be installed in schools. An interactive whiteboard is a large, interactive screen connected to a computer and a projector.

The e-Learning Jamaica Project is an innovative education initiative, which utilises Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in the delivery of subjects. It is targeted at high school students, employs both formal and informal methods of teaching and seeks to improve the quality of education, enhance the learning experience and ensure high levels of passes in the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) tests.

Under the technology infrastructure component of the project, audiovisual equipment have been delivered to 166 public high schools, 16 independent high schools, eight teachers’ colleges, five community colleges and six special schools.

Computer equipment and networks have been installed in 162 public high schools and eight teachers’ colleges.