BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – THE Ministry of Education and the Curriculum Development Unit (CDU) are the recipients of an interactive whiteboard from the Atlanta, Georgia-based Education Technology Consultants (ETC) International Company.
In order to ensure the apparatus is effectively and appropriately utilised, the two departments held a three-day workshop last week at the CDU’s office on Lockhard Street to introduce the technology to the nation’s teachers.
The workshop was facilitated by ETC International consultant Manley Wisdom and was attended by CDU staff, Education Officers and a representative from each secondary school and the Clarence Fitzroy Bryant College.
In an exclusive interview with SKNVibes, Director of ETC International Mary Markowski revealed that the donation of the learning material was meant to strengthen the existing relationship between her company and the Ministry of Education.
According to Markowski, the whiteboard is a large interactive display that connects to a computer and projector and allows users to control the computer using a pen, finger or other device. She stated that the board is typically mounted to a wall or on a floor-stand and is used in classrooms throughout the world, most notably in Britain.
“When the whiteboard became available I contacted local education officials to see if they were interested in examining the apparatus to see how it could assist teachers and students. This workshop is meant to develop the capacity of teachers so they can use the technology, integrate it into a classroom setting and use it to teach a particular lesson or objective,” she said.
The Director further stated that utilisation of the technology would improve student engagement in the classroom, their academic performance and allow them to collaborate on projects.
“A typical whiteboard is static but, as its name suggests, the interactive whiteboard is highly interactive. A student can go up to the screen and make changes. It lets you bring the internet into the classroom and it enhances the ability of a teacher to deliver knowledge effectively,” Markowski said.
