EEICTP preps for ICT Integration

The Ministry of Education, through the Education Enhancement through Information Communication Technology Programme (EEICTP) is taking another step towards the integration of information and communications technology in Saint Lucia’s schools.

A two-day orientation workshop for facilitators of the Advanced Certificate in Education – ICT Integration got underway on Monday at the ICT Centre in Castries.

Branded under ICT-The ‘I Can’ Technology, the EU funded EEICTP aims to integrate ICT in schools and the community at large, with teacher training as one of its pillars.

Acting deputy permanent secretary in the ministry of education Marietta Edward says integration of ICT in schools is an important goal for the ministry and this type of teacher training is key to achieving that goal.

“We should not only talk the talk but walk the walk,” she commented. “If we are going to get our students to use ICT in their learning, then we better use the ICT to get the teachers themselves to learn through their interactions with technology.”

The certified ICT training will be delivered by the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC).

EEICTP project coordinator Ron Isaac says officials are pleased with their partnership with SALCC, a premier tertiary level educational institution, with a wealth of experience in teacher training.

He says the course will meet the project’s goal of delivering certified ICT training to a cadre of educators with the requisite skills and competencies to use and promote ICT as a tool in teaching and learning.

“The realization of this collaboration starts today and signals yet another milestone in the accomplishment of the EU SFA 2008 funded EEICTP,” he said. “It is hoped that upon completion of the certified training, educators should be able to align technologies with content and pedagogy and would have developed the ability to creatively use technologies to meet specific learning needs.”

The Advanced Certificate in Education – ICT Integration will be offered online and is modeled on the UNESCO ICT Competency Framework for Teachers and the Commonwealth Certificate for Teacher ICT Integration.

This certificated programme offers ten courses, which include, Introducing ICT in Learning Communities, ICT and the Role of the Educator, and Assessment with ICT. The two-day orientation exercise ended on Tuesday May 7.