• Minister Manickchand highlights role of AI, Digital Tools in classrooms

AS Guyana continues to embrace technological advancements in education, Minister of Education Priya Manickchand emphasised the importance of fully integrating these tools to enhance learning outcomes.

Speaking recently, Minister Manickchand noted that while significant investments have been made in education, there are still fundamental steps needed to ensure results align with these efforts. She highlighted the necessity for teachers to adapt to new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT, which remain relatively new and are still being learned by educators.

“Although we cannot reverse the advent of technology or what it has brought, we have to find ways to constructively utilise these tools,” Minister Manickchand said. “We have to incorporate the use of technology and AI into our classrooms to achieve better results, provide individualised learning for students, identify their strengths and weaknesses, and channel their talents effectively.”

The Minister revealed that most high schools in Guyana are now in the process of integrating technology into classrooms. Several schools have already installed smartboards and internet connectivity, enabling interactive and digitally enhanced lessons.

Reflecting on the post-COVID-19 era, Minister Manickchand said the pandemic underscored the need for flexible learning methods. “COVID taught us that face-to-face education may not always be possible. We either fold our arms and let the world pass us by, or we use tools, equipment, and technology to lead the world. We chose the latter,” she stated.

According to the Minister, the majority of schools in Guyana—from nursery to secondary—are now connected to the internet. In addition, television and animation are being used to make learning more engaging, highlighting a “healthy, wholesome” approach to digital education.

A key initiative demonstrating this shift is the Guyana Digital School, which aims to integrate digital technologies into classrooms across the country and the wider Caribbean. The programme seeks to bridge the digital divide by providing students from all backgrounds access to modern educational tools. Already, approximately 4,600 students have registered to benefit from the Digital School.

Minister Manickchand’s remarks underscore the government’s commitment to modernising education and preparing students for a future where technology plays an increasingly central role.