Western schools embrace technology

Barrington Flemming, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:The education landscape in western Jamaica is swiftly adapting to technology as an increasing number of schools in the region are poised to benefit from the use of new software aimed at boosting the teaching/learning process.

Earlier this year, Montego Bay-based mathematician Richard James signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Education, paving the way for the official use of his application.

This has come after years of the programme being deemed as not relevant to the local curriculum by technocrats in the education ministry, said James, a graduate of the University of the West Indies and operator of the Montego Bay-based St James Tutorial educational institution.

We have now been given the green light to offer the programme, so we are, naturally, quite satisfied, said James, who has developed a noteworthy reputation for preparing students for Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate mathematics examinations since 1997.

Last week, a pilot project was launched to enhance the teaching of mathematics, science, and English language in local schools using another technological programme, the Educosoft Application. The application was developed by Dr Man M. Sharma, professor of mathematics at Clark Atlanta University in Georgia, United States.

OFFICIALLY SANCTIONED

The programme, which was validated and accepted by the Ministry of Education last year, was officially sanctioned for the pilot programme now under way at Irwin High School in St James and at the Mico University College in Kingston.

The Educosoft Programme is described as a web portal (specialised software), which allows teachers to impart knowledge in mathematics, English language, and the sciences. The lessons from all three subjects are loaded on a single flash drive. The mathematics components start from grade one and go up to grade 12.

It is a convenient way of using technology to enhance the learning process, said Hugh Cargill, head of the Mathematics Department and coordinator for the expansion of the Educosoft programme in western Jamaica.

The Educosoft programme, which spans two years, is being used in the United States, Puerto Rico, India, the Middle East, and sections of the Caribbean, and is considered a powerful teaching tool which has the potential to significantly enhance learning.

RESERVATIONS

Having analysed the Educosoft Application, inclusive of reports of its successful implementation in other countries, James still has reservations about the programme.

I have based my concerns on precedence steeped in history where other programmes have been touted over the years, but were found to be faulty, said James.

James said his programme, which he has documented in seven instructional booklets, which students use in class instead of spending time writing notes, provides tips on how to present the work on paper. The programme is supported by 150 hours of mathematics videos.

Over the years, I have discovered that students (both adults and children) have a tendency to shy away from the manipulation of fractions and manipulation of positive and negative numbers, said James. My programme is designed to fix that problem.

James programme has been endorsed by Michael Ellis, the principal of Green Pond High, who is also a highly respected teacher of mathematics.

I have been using his programme in my school over the past three years, and I have seen drastic improvement in mathematics at all levels, said Ellis. The teachers have all attested that it fits perfectly with their teaching methods. The use of local examples and language helps the children to relate to it easily.