Dear Editor,

Jamaica’s Ministry of Education is at a pivotal crossroads, and the time to act is now.

In a world in which digital transformation is no longer a luxury but a necessity, the ministry must seize the opportunity to revolutionise education with virtual reality (VR) classrooms. The pandemic has underscored the urgency of this transformation, revealing both the potential and the challenges of remote learning.

To succeed in this endeavour, the ministry must prioritise upgrading the IT infrastructure of schools to support higher bandwidth applications like VR. The shift to VR classrooms is not just about adapting to the new normal, it’s about generating foreign exchange and expanding Jamaica’s global reach in education.

Imagine a future in which Jamaican teachers, equipped with VR headsets, can interact with students not just locally but across the globe. With the right investment in infrastructure, local schools could compete with international institutions, teaching students in Russia, China, France, the USA, and Canada. This isn’t just a dream, it’s the future of education in Jamaica and the Caribbean.

To make this vision a reality, the ministry must collaborate with the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology to pressure telecom providers like Digicel and Flow to upgrade to 5G and fibre to the home (FTTH). These advancements are essential to enable seamless VR classroom interactions.

The potential cost may seem daunting, but investing in education is an investment in Jamaica’s future. Beyond providing quality education, the ministry can transform into a self-sufficient entity that generates direct foreign exchange, potentially rivalling the tourism industry.

In a world in which one-on-one interactions have been compromised, VR classrooms offer a glimmer of hope. It’s time for the Ministry of Education to harness this technology, empower teachers, and propel Jamaican education into the future. Together we can unlock the goldmine of education and make Jamaica a global leader in virtual learning. The time for action is now.

L H Deer

Educator

Tivoli Gardens High School

lindsworthdeer@outlook.com