THE nearly 100 students of the Cavaliers All-age School in West Rural St Andrew began receiving tablet computers on Wednesday, as the Government's $1.4-billion Tablets in Schools pilot programme was rolled out at the institution.
The school was the second to be equipped, following a similar exercise at Salt Savannah Primary and Infant School in Clarendon, last week.
In July, the school's staff -- six teachers, one guidance counsellor and the principal -- received their tablets and were trained in their use.
Speaking at the handing-over ceremony, Minister of Science, Technology, Energy, and Mining Phillip Paulwell described the project's implementation as 'gratifying', pointing out that the long-term objective was facilitating access by all persons to information and communications technology (ICT).
He gave an assurance that 'every single student at Cavaliers and every single teacher will get a tablet computer'.
Minister Paulwell said the pilot is important, as, if it goes well, then the programme will be rolled out to benefit more than 600,000 students who attend Government schools in Jamaica, and their teachers.
In his remarks, West Rural St Andrew Member of Parliament Paul Buchanan welcomed the project's implementation at Cavaliers, pointing out that it will provide the basis for the children 'to learn and obtain the skills that are necessary to give us... growth'.
He added: 'You are one of the pioneer schools of this programme. We are making a statement that...(you) will be availed of all the resources to ensure that our children get the best education there can be,' he added.
School Principal Renée Charlton-Wolfe said she was 'elated' and 'honoured' that her institution was among those selected for the year-long pilot.
She pointed out that the technology will 'definitely' assist in advancing the students' educational development.
'It's (an ideal) way, I think, of getting them really involved in learning, and we are really excited about the opportunities that this will create for the children,' she stated.
Charlton-Wolfe said she was also anticipating significant benefits for the teachers 'because we will all be able to improve our technical skills'.
Parent Fabian Durrant, whose son was among the first recipients, welcomed the undertaking.
'This is historic; I am sure the children will appreciate and make use of the tablets. I see (the project advancing) the way the children will learn and the way education will be brought across. I am sure that if they find fun in learning, it will be easier for them to...grasp what they (are being) taught,' he said.
Durrant noted that his nine-year old son, Jevauny, who is in grade four, has been performing well academically, having recorded 11 As and 14 Bs in his final report for the 2013/14 school year, and he expressed confidence that the Tablets in Schools project will further enhance his son's performance.
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