Shortwood College gets state-of-the art tools

STUDENT TEACHERS at Shortwood Teachers' College received 21 laptop computers recently, representing the initial equipment for a project aimed at improving secondary education through technology in Jamaica.

The pilot project will train student teachers in the use of cutting-edge computer technology to enhance the administrative and academic processes in the school system. Donated by Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS), the computers are intended to improve the level of performance within the educational system.

"We are carrying out an experiment using technology in enhancing teaching and learning," said Dr Christopher Clarke, vice-principal of Shortwood Teachers' College. He pointed out that the 21 teachers who would receive the computers had already been selected, and the college would serve as a test case for the concepts.

Three software programmes will be tested by the teachers on the new computers. This will be implemented using a training model developed by the Jamaica Collaborative for Universal Technology Education (JCUTE).

"We have a vision of every teacher having a laptop," said Elizabeth Terry, director of the JCUTE.

Based on the outcome of the programme at Shortwood, the JCUTE will make the necessary adjustments and expand it to the 10 teacher-training colleges across the island.

CAPTION: Margaret Messias, a teacher at Shortwood Teachers' College, smiles as she receives a computer from Llewelyn Bailey, assistant general manager of the Jamaica National Building Society (JNBS). Bailey donated 21 laptop computers on behalf of JNBS last Monday in a handover ceremony at the St Andrew-based training institution. - Contributed Photo