New Education Minister says no change for EduTech

Some skeptics may say that the more things change the more they remain the same, but we say it is good to see that the BLP’s EduTech project will be continued by the new DLP administration.

Bajan Free Press commends the Minister of Education Ronald Jones for his firm and reassuring comments.

The education of our children and the future of our nation is too vital to be tampered with. Indeed, it should be seen as a “sacred cow” rather than any sacrificial “fatted calf“.

Bajan Free Press

http://www.nationnews.com/story/75407830567707.php 

Jones: Edu-Tech to stay
Published on: 1/30/08.

by BARRY ALLEYNE

THE NEW Democratic Labour Party (DLP) Government has absolutely no plans of discarding the controversial Edu-Tech project. And, said Minister of Education Ronald Jones, they will be soon paying special attention to the recently closed Louis Lynch Secondary School.

He also hinted that the misplaced students from Louis Lynch would soon find a home. “I have not yet tackled that issue, but I expect to be updated on it very shortly,” the minister told the Press after a tour of St Leonard’s Boys’ School on Tuesday.

“We are looking at the rationalisation of numbers. Space is always an issue, but we are looking at new plants to help the question of security and discipline.

Edu-Tech came under immense scrutiny over the last decade when the DLP was in Opposition, but Jones said it would make no sense to discard it.

“I understand how information and communication technology can be integrated into what we do. I’ve never stated there would be an abandonment of Edu-Tech. I’m comfortable with the integration of technology into the teaching and learning environment,” he said.

In his first official function as Minister of Education, Jones met with St Leonard’s interim principal Desmond Browne, promising him the ministry would be paying special attention to the country’s lone all-boys secondary school.

In fact, Jones promised he would return to the school to speak to the roll of 1 034 boys. “I believe there is a message I can bring.”

“Our young men need role models who are strong and purposeful.”

The minister said it was fair to believe a number of new schools would eventually be built across the country in an effort to streamline the delivery of education.

He said Edu-Tech would be looked at and discussions would take place to get teachers more motivated and familiar with using technology.

He also said he planned to have very hands-on approach as minister.

Principal Browne also brought a myriad of problems to the minister’s attention, among them drainage which he said “had become quite problematic, at the end of even a brief shower”.

Browne added: “We have to motivate the students to think this is an ideal place for boys to learn certain skills.”

He noted that impetus would also be given to the school’s industrial arts programme, since it had been successful, but more entries were needed at the Caribbean Examinations Council level.

Browne said he also intended to bring a higher level of discipline to the boys, and would also target tardiness.