ADVERTORIAL | STEM schools will assist in closing the digital divide

ADVERTORIAL: MC Systems

The Government of Jamaica is moving ahead with the implementation of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) schools, which it it says is the path to creating a digital society, “and closing the digital divide.”

Prime Minister Andrew Holness made a commitment recently, that his administration will be setting up six new science, engineering and math academies at the high school level, to prepare students for careers in the STEM field.

Technology experts believe that the country has more to gain from the establishment of these institutions, which they say will assist students to gain the skills necessary to meet the challenges of today's world.

Tamique Hines, senior manager, software engineering at MC Systems, the technology company of JN Group, in explaining STEM education stated that, it is an integrative approach which engages four key disciplines: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, in a cohesive learning model.

“In STEM education these subjects are not taught in isolation, but instead are integrated in the learning process. This method engages students in hands-on learning, teaching them to solve real life problems,” she explained.

“It also encourages experimenting and curiosity, which aids in the development of key qualities, or skills that are a requirement in the current and future work force. These include critical thinking, analytical abilities, solving complex problems and being innovative,” she added.

Underscoring the importance of these institutions, Mrs Hines stated that the world is currently amid the fourth industrial revolution and it took hundreds of years to evolve from the first industrial revolution.

“However, the world is evolving at a much faster pace. There are already discussions about the impending Industry 5.0. Technologies are becoming obsolete in a few years, even months; and these changes impact many industries and ultimately our economy,” she pointed out.

“We therefore need to prepare our children for the future of work, which includes jobs that have not been created yet. It is imperative that that we train our students for this fast-changing world, which will require them to have 21st century skills, allowing them to be inventors and creative problem solvers. The ability to respond to these inevitable changes is essential to the growth of our economy. The skills developed through STEM education are also very critical in tackling our nation’s social challenges,” she said.

Henry Osborne, an educator and the technical services manager at Contax360 BPO Solutions, said that the continual advances in technology are changing the way students learn, connect and interact every day.

“A curriculum that is STEM-based has real-life situations to help the student to learn; and will integrate multiple classes to provide opportunities to see how concepts relate to life, in order to hopefully spark a passion for a future career in a STEM field. STEM activities provide hands-on and minds-on lessons for the student,” he added.

Mr Osborne also noted that in the evolving job market, some routine jobs will be lost to automation, current jobs will be transformed, and new jobs will be created.

“Employer demand for STEM qualifications and skills are high, and will continue to increase in the future. A large percent of jobs in the fastest growing industries require workers with STEM skills. The workforce needs people who can adapt to a changing workplace so that they can be competitive,” he added.

Mrs Hines noted that progress has been made in the development of STEM academies in Jamaica over the past six years. She cited the Sydney Pagon STEM Academy, formerly Sydney Pagon Agricultural High School, which transitioned into a STEM curriculum in September 2014.

That same year, the government announced that an additional eight secondary level schools would transition to become STEM academies in 2015. More recently, in September 2020 it was published that there are plans to develop Six STEM academies at the high school level.

“We are heading in the right direction with the plans to enhance STEM education at the secondary level. However, there is the need for STEM education to begin in early childhood education. Forming the skills gained through STEM education at an early age, when the brain is most malleable, increases the probability of students having lifelong critical thinking skills. It creates the foundation for future academic success,” she affirmed.

Misconceptions about Stem schools

She pointed out that there are some misconceptions about STEM Education. One such misconception, she stated is that there would not be any emphasis on non-STEM subjects. However, she debunked that, and said STEM is interdisciplinary and studies have shown that a STEM education enhances learning in other disciplines.

“The core skills which are gained from STEM Education boosts the learning process for other subject areas. Research has shown a link between science education and improvement in language learning and literacy. STEM is not simply about learning these subject areas; it is about preparing our children for further education,” she maintained.

Another misconception she highlighted is the correlation between STEM and the use of computers or digital devices. She however noted that digital technology is used in STEM; however, STEM is not solely dependent on digital technology.

“We will need to address any obstacles that will prevent our children from achieving the goals and objectives of a STEM education. This includes having the relevant infrastructure and resources at all educational levels; and ensuring that our teachers are properly trained to fulfil a STEM curriculum; as well as, investing in continuous professional development of our teachers,” she said.

Mr Osborne also stated that one of the major obstacles that STEM schools have to overcome is that of finance. He explained that because of the hands-on nature of the curricula, the necessary tools and resources have to be readily available to benefit faculty and students.

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