Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of Canada-based Scholar Labs, Dr Laurelle Jno Baptiste, is advocating for access to online digital learning in Dominica.
At the opening of a three-day National eLearning Symposium on Monday Jno Baptiste stated that access to online education and resources saves lives, transforms communities, and revolutionizes countries.
“I am not saying replace classroom education with online education, however, I advocate for a blended approach using online education to supplement and enhance classroom instruction. There are times when complete online solutions are also needed,” she emphasized.
She pointed out further that technology is a catalyst for social interaction.
“Access to quality online education benefits all. It benefits employees, it benefits students, it benefits a country. I know that there are so many issues that need to be addressed when we’re thinking about access to online education…. we cannot minimize the importance of broadband connectivity, affordable internet access, computers and also having the right approach,” Jno Baptiste noted.
In the meantime, Minister for Education and Human Resources Development, Petter Saint Jean, noted that focus is being placed in Dominica on ensuring that every child has access to and is able to afford the best education possible in order to develop themselves and be an asset to the island and the wider world.
He stated that teachers must respond to new realities and incorporate technology to the classroom.
“Our teachers must understand and explore new and innovative ways to incorporate aspects of e-learning into classroom activities,” he stated. “We must respond to the new reality that both the context in which schools co-operate and the purpose of education are undergoing drastic change because of rapid technological advances. Our focus therefore is on getting students to develop skills for life in an increasingly technological world in an environment that is characterized by technological innovation and computerized responses to situations in the workplace and in the wider society. It is imperative that all citizens posses a working knowledge of the available technology.”
He added that if Dominica is to become globally competitive all students must have the opportunity to access these important skills and knowledge within the classroom environment.
Saint Jean also noted that there is need to explore the use of ICT as a tool for learning and the use of tablets and laptops as devices to enable learning.
“Our education system must continue to embrace online teaching techniques and practices since our children are now much more technologically savvy than obtained in preceding generations. In order to achieve these goals we recognize the need to train our teachers in the use of ICT for more effective deliveries of the school’s curriculum,” he said.
Access to online learning is very CONVENIENT, but also very EXPENSIVE. I KNOW. I am not discouraging, but one has to be mindful before getting into the program. No one is mentioning the “COST”.
Good initiative for D/ca. Another free resource is Khan Academy especially for mathematics and the sciences. https://www.khanacademy.org/
Does the government give loans for online learning?
NO mention that University of the West Indies has online courses with Open Campus well established. Like this is the first time such a thing is being discussed in Dominica?
Many people, adults and youths world-wide are taking advantage of online learning. Colleges and universities also provide this tuition.
Youths who dropped out of elementary and high school could take advantage of online learning. Unemployed adults and those who are homebound and capable could also benefit from this process.
No exception those who are imprisoned and capable of learning as youths and younger adults. When people are occupied they have no time to be idle and to commit crimes. They may not even consider it. The learning process gives them a sense of self-worth and an opportunity for a better life, one to look forward to. The entire Dominican community could benefit from their educational and employment contribution.
Education is important and is a way of life, that hopefully everyone will eventually become employed and so contribute to their livelihood and the revenue of the country. What a happy and peaceful people and country Dominica would be.
Good luck to your vision and undertaking. It is well-worth it.
Good job Dr. Jno Baptiste! I went to sifocol with you so big up on your positive vibes. I am also doing blended learning for my Masters as we speak so your points are well taken. I thank God that my online institution is a state-based one and thus affordable one but too many of those online learning institutions are for-profit or diploma mills and so get only distrust and repudiation by the general public. A point needs to be raised on that.
Ready or not, in this global village and the ever increasing use of technology all over the World it would be remiss of us to sit bye and wait. Therefor it is necessary to fall in line and take our rightful place as a major player while embracing the many opportunities afforded by way of training and programs to educate our population in the use of technology as part of taking things to the next Level.
Mr. Saint Jean has said all what the teachers need to do. What about the Ministry of Education sir? What is your Ministry willing to do to assist the teachers. We could start by removing the duty etc on desktop computers, laptops and tablets. Make it mandatory to have them ordered through the schools and one per student so that people don’t try to “beat the system”. If the duty cannot be waived, consider giving the parents a tax credit (and set up the appropriate administrative mechanism)
Agreed. “Mr. Saint Jean has said all what the teachers need to do.” “What about the Ministry of Education sir?” The question should be, what is your Ministry doing to assist the teachers? Also in agreement on “DUTY FREE” for desktops, laptops, tablets or any electronic devices for “students”. Good idea, “mandatory through the schools” but it may not be possible “one per student”. I think at least 10 per class, to start up with, in EVERY SCHOOL, and the students could participate in sessions so they will ALL have access. I think that waiving the duty and giving a tax credit is a PLUS toward ENCOURAGING the students and the teachers.
In today’s world EVERYONE should be COMPUTER LITERATE.