…developing ‘modern classrooms’
THE Ministry of Education has moved one step closer to connecting schools and classrooms in real-time across Guyana through the use of innovative technology. The National Centre for Education and Resource Development (NCERD) is collaborating with technology giant STARR Computer Inc. to develop “Modern Classrooms” in Guyana.
At a recent meeting at the tech company’s Brickdam office, Director of NCERD, Ms. Jennifer Cumberbatch and other officials met with CEO of STARR Computer Mike Mohan and staff, in brainstorming 21st Century technology solution to connect classrooms in regions of Guyana.
Cumberbatch at the event had noted that the Smart Classroom could be be used to connect schools thereby creating universal classrooms where one teacher can teach as many students as possible.
Mohan said that the generation gap between baby boomers (educators) and generation Z (students) are so far apart that unless common grounds are found to interact, the gap will continue to increase.
He explained that baby boomers paid careful attention and followed instructions from their parents and elders whereas generation ‘Z’ rebels against their parent and elders if their ideas are not embraced. Therefore, he emphasized the way forward was to accept that teaching should be about sharing ideas in a collaborative environment between teachers and students.
“By collaborating, the educational strategies of vendors, partners and making some adjustments to suit Guyanese standards, we can have a superb end solution to create an excellent Modern Classroom,” Mohan explained. “With Smart Classroom training by Samsung and distributing rugged student computers from Lenovo, laser interactive projectors from Epson, Smart Lab Virtualization by NComputing, enterprise power protection by APC and security encryption by multiple vendors, through partnership, the end goal should be easily achievable.”
The CEO explained that since 2013, the STARR team was trained by Samsung Educational experts on Smart Classrooms with the use of the Samsung system employed by over 60 countries around the world.
Adding that this will serve to bridge the gap between coastal schools and those in the hinterland and rural communities, Mohan said STARR brought a wealth of experience to the table with easy access to modern educational technologies developed and employed by its international partners around the world.
The role of NCERD in a Decentralized Education Management system is to provide professional support to all levels of education management that will result in the delivery of quality education in schools.
