More than 500 educators expected in Ja for conference in April

More than 500 international educators are expected in Jamaica from April 22 to 26, for the Future Ready education conference.

The conference, to be held on the campus of the University of Technology, Old Hope Road in St Andrew, is being put on by 21st Century Education, in conjunction with the Jamaican Ministry of Education and Youth, the Jamaica Teachers’ Association, New York City Department of Education, as well as New York University, and has as its theme ‘STEM Innovators: Igniting Collaboration Across Borders’.

The Future Ready conference is an ‘edumersion’ experience that will focus on the evolution of education and the implementation of a 21st century education system that includes setting the context, providing access to all students, shifting the culture, and involving the community in preparation for a world shaped by AI, automation, and robotics.

This will be a follow-up conference to one held in Jamaica last year.

Conference Coordinator Dr Damion Kenwood told The Gleaner that, because of the level-3 travel advisory placed against Jamaica by the United States Department of State, he has had to be reassuring participants that it is very safe to come to the island.

“I have not seen many people backing away from attending the conference but concerns have been raised about safety in Jamaica because of the level-3 advisory,” he said.

Nevertheless, he expects that a majority, if not all participants, who have indicated that they will attend the conference will in fact be there.

‘STEM Innovators: Igniting Collaboration Across Borders’ is a programme that fosters global connections and empowers students from various high schools in New York City and in Jamaica. In an era defined by the COVID-19 pandemic, this programme takes on greater significance as it brings together diverse partner groups to collaborate and address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Through collaborative STEM projects focused on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, virtual reality (VR), smart city solutions, and the global forecast of the Bitcoin exchange market, students will develop crucial skills while creating innovative solutions with global impact.

The programme involves various partner groups, each composed of a New York City high school and a Jamaican high school. These partner groups will collaborate closely, leveraging their diverse perspectives, cultural backgrounds, and expertise to tackle complex problems. By working together, students will not only broaden their understanding of different cultures but also develop essential skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. This type of collaborative learning enables students to go beyond traditional boundaries and find creative solutions to the most challenging issues faced by our global society, according to the programme document.

ESSENTIAL FOR FUTURE WORKFORCE

STEM Innovators aims to develop a range of critical skills among participating students. Through independent study and collaborative group work, students will enhance their research abilities, critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. These skills are essential for the future workforce, where adaptability, innovation, and global awareness are increasingly valued. By immersing themselves in STEM disciplines and collaborating on real-world projects, students will cultivate the skills necessary to excel in their academic and professional journeys.

The STEM Innovators programme not only prepares students for the challenges of today but also equips them with the skills needed to thrive in the future global workforce. As automation, AI, and technology continue to reshape industries and job markets, there is an increasing demand for individuals who can navigate complex problems, think critically, and collaborate across borders. By participating in this programme, students develop not only technical expertise but also crucial soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability. These skills are highly sought after by employers who value individuals capable of collaborating effectively in multicultural and diverse environments.

As STEM Innovators cultivate these skills, it empowers students to become the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem-solvers in the global workforce. By nurturing their abilities to tackle global challenges through STEM collaboration, the programme ensures that participating students are well equipped to make a meaningful impact on the world stage.

Kenwood described last year’s conference as a success and said he is looking forward to an even more successful conference this year.

“This is an opportunity to develop our children to take advantage of a new world where technology is the key,” he said.

editorial@gleanerjm.com