Big educational boost for UG, CPCE

TIMES INT'L

Dear Editor,
Throughout the world, schools are acquiring computers and using the internet at rapid rates. Teachers need to, therefore, learn how to operate the computers and integrate them effectively into their instruction. Understanding the process that teachers go through to infuse technology into their instruction is essential to helping facilitate the successful integration of computers into classrooms.
In Guyana, we are moving in this direction. Just a while back, the education ministry made a really good move, commissioning computer laboratories at the Cyril Potter College of Education (CPCE) and the University of Guyana (UG). These two laboratories form part of the ministry’s ongoing Education Strategic Plan 2008-2013.
Where professional development is concerned, it is in the best interest of educators, and professionals in general, to be aware of what the internet has to offer.
Applications come in all forms too − videos, audios and so on. Then students can quickly have their work-in-process appraised, so that they make corrections as they go along.
UG seems headed for a transformation and it is good that government is committed to the student populace, not only of UG, but CPCE as well. The ministry’s current five-year strategic plan ends this year, and so far, it has been quite impactful. The statistics show that more than 5000 teachers have been exposed to training in communication technology. This knowledge will obviously enhance their in-class performance.
The overall plan from the inception was to have at least 50 per cent of Guyana’s primary school students and 75 per cent of the secondary ones gain access to computer training. So far, all the secondary schools, barring around eight, are expected to have computer laboratories by the end of 2013. This is a major success story.
A big thought is racing through my mind. Recently, a truancy raid nabbed more than 20 students from one particular area. This is good to note and as such, this kind of exercise must be the norm. Guyana is investing heavily in the education sector and it stands to reason that nothing must be wasted. The investment at the top must be maximised at the bottom.
Yours faithfully,
Trevon Marshall

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