Leverage technology to help students

THE EDITOR, Madam:

Jamaica stands at a pivotal moment in its educational development. While efforts to increase access to education are commendable, the COVID-19 pandemic exposed a deep digital divide, particularly impacting our most vulnerable students. According to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), around 35 per cent of Jamaican children, which is approximately 230,000, did not have access to computers at home during the pandemic. Even though around two-thirds of households had Internet access, many relied on mobile data through handsets, severely limiting engagement in online learning ( Vision2030 Gov JM; UNICEF).

This digital disparity is not a temporary setback, but a systemic issue that hampers our nation’s progress. On average, Jamaican students complete 11.7 years of schooling, which is higher than the average of 10 years for students worldwide. However, when compared globally, the learning achievement of Jamaican students is equivalent to only 7.2 years (UNICEF) – highlighting a gap of 4.5 years that we cannot afford to overlook.

Adaptive learning platforms like Khan Academy and DreamBox have shown how technology can revolutionise education by offering personalised learning experiences tailored to individual student needs. These tools help mitigate learning loss and enhance student engagement. However, without adequate access to technology and reliable Internet connectivity, the lack of these resources keeps many of our children from benefiting from such innovations.

The issue, however, extends beyond access to devices and reliable Internet. For successful integration of technology into our classrooms and improvement of educational outcomes, investing in both infrastructure and teacher training is crucial. Parents, too, need to be part of the conversation, ensuring that home environments support this new mode of learning. By actively engaging with such initiatives, we can make significant strides in closing the learning gap and equipping our students to excel in a competitive global economy.

Let us reimagine education in Jamaica as a fusion that equips our youth with a blend of timeless wisdom and cutting-edge skills, preparing them to navigate the challenges of tomorrow with resilience and creativity. The future of our nation hinges on the transformation of education.

YASHEKA A. WALTERS-ELLIS

yasheka.waltersellis

@gmail.com