More Than 4,000 Tablet Computers Distributed to Students

More than 4,000 tablet computers have been distributed to 13 of the 38 schools earmarked to benefit under the Government’s $1.4 billion Tablets in Schools pilot project, which began in September.

Distribution of the tablets, which is being done by e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited, an agency of the Science, Technology, Energy and Mining Ministry, is currently in progress at another three institutions.

These include: Irwin High School, St. James; and Cumberland High School, in Portmore, St. Catherine, where the exercise commenced on October 22, and continued on October 23.

Members of e-Learning Jamaica were at both schools over the two days for symbolic presentations to representatives of both institutions.

State Minister for Local Government and Community Development and Member of Parliament for South East St. Catherine, where Cumberland High School is located, Hon. Colin Fagan, was among those on hand for the brief handing over ceremony at that institution on October 23.

Welcoming the gesture, Mr. Fagan described the initiative as an “exciting programme,” and expressed delight that “Cumberland is one of the…schools (selected for) this pilot.”

He urged the students to use the tablets to enhance and continuously improve their studies, pointing out that, “you are not only going to be depending on your teachers, but you are going to be relying on your own discipline to (advance your academics).”

Acting Principal, Michael Brydson, assured that the tablets will be used to “empower the students to become better at their academic performance.”

Similar sentiments were expressed by School Board Chairman, Rupert Pryce, who described the initiative as a “win-win programme,” as the tablets will “allow you (students) to have information instantly, and help you to communicate more (effectively) with your teachers.”

Ms. Karen Taylor, parent of Grade 10 student, Tara Van Riel, one of two youngsters to whom symbolic presentation of tablets was made, described the project as “good,” adding that acquisition of the tablets is “a privilege for…parents and children.”

“It will be a motivation for my daughter, who is currently doing very well in school. It will help to enhance her work and that of the other students,” Ms. Taylor said.

Mr. Mervin Allen, father of  Romario Allen, the other Grade 10 student, to whom a symbolic presentation was made, was elated.

“I feel so good about what this (will do) for my son. The tablet will help him to (advance his studies to) a higher level. I pray that this project will help to lift Cumberland High School to be among the best schools in Jamaica,” he said.

The Tablets in Schools pilot project is targeting  24,000 students and 1,200 teachers six pre-primary, 13 primary, five all age and junior high, and 12 high schools; one teacher’s college, and one special education institution.

In addition to the distribution of tablets, the initiative also involves delivery of computers and multimedia devices, including interactive white-boards/projectors, scanners, printers to pre-primary and primary schools. This is in addition to the installation of Wi-Fi at all institutions.

Following a review of the pilot, the project is expected to be rolled out in other institutions across the island, targeting an additional 600,000 students and teachers.