Teachers get ICT Certification Under E-Learning Jamaica

A total of 580 teachers have received certification in basic computer skills under the e-Learning Jamaica Project, which will enable them to integrate information and communication technologies in their lesson plans.
The teachers, who have gained competences in operating a personal computer, word processing, spreadsheet elements, database management, power-point presentations, among other areas, were presented with their certificates at a graduation ceremony held recently at the Manchester High School.
Minister of Finance and the Public Service, and Member of Parliament for North East Manchester, Hon. Audley Shaw, who delivered the keynote address, stated that the computer is an important tool in the teaching and learning processes, and in building a more prosperous society.
He urged the teachers to “use this knowledge that you have embraced and impart it to the children, so that as young people, the light of understanding can be revealed to them”.
Teacher at the Manchester-based Porus High School, Melissa Gordon, who benefited from the training, said that the teachers were grateful for the knowledge gained, and will use it for the advancement of the children under their care.
Chief Executive Officer of e-Learning Jamaica Project, Avril Crawford, in the meantime, informed that the initiative is succeeding in its mission to equip high schools with the necessary technology to enhance learning. She said the feedback so far is that the process is working.
“We are heartened that the project is already making a contribution. We have had feedback from several schools that the e-Learning Jamaica Project has been enhancing the education environment and that the use of the materials and equipment during lesson delivery has heightened students’ interest in learning, and has also made lesson preparation much easier for teachers,” Mrs. Crawford said.
A project of the Government of Jamaica, the e-Learning Jamaica Project is an innovative educational initiative, which utilises ICT in the delivery of subjects.
It is targeted at high school students and employs both formal and informal methods of teaching. The objectives are to improve the quality of education, enhance the learning experience, and ensure high levels of passes in the Caribbean Examination Council (CXC) tests.