Allman Town Primary Students Receive Tablet Computers

Three students from the Allman Town Primary School, in Kingston,  are the beneficiaries of tablet computers, handed over by Minister of Science, Technology, Energy and Mining, Hon. Phillip Paulwell, on November 12.

Making the presentation at the Ministry, Mr. Paulwell  said he is now considering a recommendation for the school to be a part of the Tablets in Schools programme.

The students, who interacted with the Minister at the Jam Copy Caribbean Digital Publication Conference on November 2, are a part of the Allman Town Primary School Media Club as Junior Broadcasters.

In an interview with JIS News, Mr. Paulwell said that the conversation with the students, who range from ages 10 to 12, left him impressed with their knowledge of coding and software.

The Ministry, through the Universal Service Fund (USF), decided to grant the tablets to the three students, Jo-Nathan Smith, Daniel Campbell and Shiloh Brock. The  Principal, Kandi-lee Crooks Smith,  also received a tablet computer.

Despite not offering computer classes as part of the regular school curriculum, the Principal explained that they “integrate the use of technology in lesson delivery.”

She noted that the school has a functioning computer laboratory, through the sponsorship from private donors.

Mrs. Smith said the students are very grateful for the tablet computers, as they  travel internationally with the media club, covering such events as the Penn Relays in the United States, and the Pan-Am Games in Canada.

She also noted that the students cover many of these events Live, and broadcast them through Internet-based radio, and the tablets are great tools that will assist them.

The school’s media club started in 2011 and the members have covered local events, such as the Diaspora, Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) as well as the Child Month conferences.