Latest update April 4th, 2025 6:13 AM
ICT is top priority for Education Ministry
Minister Priya Manickchand emphasizing ICT as top priority in schools.
Learning in the twenty-first century demands the use of a broad range of information and communication technologies since this is a part of everyday life. It is for this reason that the present Strategic Plan of the Ministry of Education places heavy emphasis on Information and Communication Technology.
The ministry’s target as stated in the Strategic Plan is to equip all secondary schools and 50 per cent of primary schools with IT laboratories by 2013.
It is the belief of the ministry that all children must be given the opportunity to learn with twenty-first century tools otherwise they would not be prepared for twenty-first century careers nor would they be able to meet the needs of its challenges.
Today, especially in developed countries almost all transactions are done on line; banking, applying for jobs, ordering goods and services to name a few. Of course this makes life easier for everyone except those who cannot use the information and communication technology tools.
The ministry also believes that teachers should be able to utilize technology in order to help each child get the most of his schooling and to prepare him/her for the demands of the future. Teachers can only do this if they themselves have the capacity to utilise information and communication technology.
A number of initiatives were undertaken by the ministry to build the capacity of teachers. An Information and Technology Unit was established at NCERD. This Unit is staffed with ICT specialists who provide ongoing training for teachers as well as support them in the schools.
In addition, with the help of international experts, a new set of training modules with content that could take teachers beyond basic ICT knowledge to a higher level was developed. In addition, one of the components of the Guyana Improving Teacher Education Project (GITEP) is ‘Integrating ICT in the Teaching and Learning Process’.
In establishing an Education Television Broadcasting network, the Ministry of Education has taken education technology to a new height. It must be pointed out that this is an achievement few countries can boast about. This technology has made it possible for all students and teachers as well as all Guyanese to benefit from information.
Its aim is to enhance learning and to make it possible for students regardless of their backgrounds and circumstances to achieve their goals.
The Ministry of Education recognizes that the goal to provide students and teachers with the skills to use Education Technology will only be realized if they have access to the devices and tools necessary for them to make use of the learning opportunities that are provided by ICT. Consequently, huge investments have been made in equipping schools with computer laboratories while at the same time great efforts have been made in garnering support from individuals, organizations and corporate agencies who have generously supported the technology drive by donating computers and netbooks to the ministry and to individual schools.
There is no doubt that Information Communication Technology has great impact on learning but this will only be realized if it is supported by all sections of the society. While the ministry has been making Herculean efforts to ensure that schools are equipped with the necessary tools and devices, it still needs help from its partners.
One area that is lacking is the availability of high speed internet in schools and the ministry would welcome the help of internet providers to bridge this gap. The important thing that everyone has to remember is that this will be an investment in the future of our children and the future of Guyana and not an investment in technology.
Similar Articles
THE BLUNT OF THE DAY
Sports
Features/Columnists
The reciprocal tariffs
Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo has once again proven his talent for making the indefensible... more
Weekend Cartoon
