50 per cent of Jamaica's schools boasting Internet access - report

The new information technology report has revealed that Internet access is widespread in just over 50 per cent of Jamaica’s schools.

The report comes against the background of a push by the Government to have more students and teachers access and incorporate information communication technologies in teaching and learning. 

The Government is also on a drive to introduce tablet computers in schools.

However, the report from the World Economic Forum says countries such as Jamaica are not doing enough.

Jamaica continues to lag in the Internet penetration segment with the country ranked 116, out of 143 countries, a slight improvement over the 123 achieved last year.

In the area of Internet access in schools, the World Economic Forum measured countries from one to seven, with seven representing the greatest access and one meaning there is no access.

Jamaica achieved a four, meaning that Internet access is widespread in just over 57 per cent of schools.

Last year, Education Minister, Ronald Thwaites, challenged local Internet service providers to expand their reach, especially across rural Jamaica.