Use of Current Technology in Caribbean Classroom

The Implementation of Technolgy in Jamaican Classroom

                        

                             Facebook Video: Tablets in Schools Programme

Initiative: Tablets in Schools Project 

In recent years, the integration of technology in education has been growing and improving the learning experiences for students across the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica. In Jamaica, significant steps have been taken to integrate digital learning in the classroom. Various initiatives have been introduced to enhance the learning experience for students. One such initiative in Jamaica is the Tablets in Schools Project (TIS).

The Tablets in Schools Project (TIS) is a project launched by The Government of Jamaica in 2014 to provide tablets to students and teachers at selected public schools, teachers colleges, and State Care facilities (e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited, n.d.). The programme aims to enhance the teaching and learning process through technology specifically digital learning. The rollout also involves the provision of internet access, facilitating training to educators to effectively incorporate digital tools into their lesson planning, and incorporating ICTs into the curriculum and assessment to foster problem-solving, critical thinking, decision making, and digital citizenship through collaboration and communication (e-Learning Jamaica Company Limited, n.d.).

While the Tablets in Schools Project have positive effects on students such as access to digital resources and improved engagement and enthusiasm, the implementation of the project also has its faults and challenges. Issues such as tablets being a source of distraction due to students not wanting to attend classes, limited control over sites, concerns about content filtering, and inadequate internet access (Jones, 2014).

Despite the occurrence of these challenges, the initiative of the Tablets in Schools Project (TIS) has laid the foundation for the improvement of digital integration in education such as continuing to improve the digital infrastructure and to have the support for educators. Therefore, by addressing these issues Jamaica can ensure a more sustainable and successful integration of technology in education.

 

Question:

What are your views/thoughts on this initiative?

Availability of Technology in Education

Technological Tools or Applications used in Education

Technology is used in everyday life to make life easier. In education, technology plays a significant role in improving tasks for students and providing a substantial impact on educators' teaching approaches which makes learning more engaging, interactive, and accessible. Over the past decade, technological tools and applications have been developed to enhance teaching and learning. Three such tools/applications include: Learning Management System (LMS), Platform for quizzes and games, and Google Meet.

 

1. Learning Management System (LMS): Google Classroom (2014)

According to Tremblay (2025), a learning management system is a software platform designed to create, deliver, and manage educational or training programs. One such LMS is Google Classroom. Launched in 2014, Google Classroom is one of the most popular learning management systems and has continued to skyrocket since the COVID-19 pandemic. Widely used in schools and universities for online learning, it allows communication and collaboration between both educators and students. Additionally, a free education platform with premium features available through Google Workspace for Education, Google Classroom is user-friendly with an intuitive interface that allows educators and students to navigate through assignments, notes, and collaborations effortlessly.

 

2. Platform for quizzes and games: Quizizz (2015)

Launched in 2015, Quizizz is a popular online, game-based learning platform that offers a variety of benefits for both teachers and students. As stated by Edwards (2023) Quizizz is already used by more than half of schools in the U.S. and in over 150 countries worldwide. With its user-friendly and quiz-like style, Quizizz is commonly used in a classroom setting to make learning fun and competitive. It helps students better retain information and concepts, while also allowing teachers to gauge student understanding in real time. Although there's a free version that most students and teachers use, paying is required for access to more options and advanced features.

3. Google Meet (2017)

Google Meet is a free video conference tool generally used in online classes, virtual meetings, and collaborations. With its blend of remote and hybrid learning, Google Meet is very user-friendly and available to anyone who has a Google account. It allows users to join meetings using audio, video, chat, and screen-sharing, making it a versatile tool for virtual collaboration and online learning. Like Google Classroom, Google Meet is free for individuals with premium features available through Google Workspace for Education. It also integrates seamlessly with other Google tools like Google Docs, Slides, and Classroom.

 

Final Thoughts

The availability and integration of technology in education have continued to grow and provide the necessary tools for teachers to enhance learning and for students to enjoy these experiences. With tools like Google Classroom, Quizizz and Google Meet it makes teaching and learning more enjoyable and interactive.

 

Question:

What was your initial experience when using these platforms?