Ministry of Education
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UNESCO Working on ICT Competency Standard for Teachers
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MONTEGO BAY (JIS):
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
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| United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Advisor for Comunication and Information, Isidro Fernandez-Abali, addressing the official opening of the 4th biennial International Conference and Exposition on Technology in Education and Training (EduVision 2009) at the Rose Hall Resort and Spa in Montego Bay, St. James yesterday (November 23). |
The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is working on an Information Communication Technology (ICT) competency standard for teachers, which will provide guidelines to facilitate the effective use of ICT by both teachers and students.
UNESCO Advisor for Communication and Information, Mr. Isidro Fernandez Abali, speaking yesterday (Nov. 23) at the opening of the fourth biennial International Conference and Exposition on Technology in Education and Training (EduVision 2009) in Montego Bay, St. James, said that the move is in recognition of the increased importance of ICT to the education process.
He expressed the view that traditional educational practices no longer offer students the necessary skills to fully participate in their own society.
According to Mr. Abali, today's teachers need to acquire competencies, supported by technology, which will allow them to offer their students better learning opportunities.
"In my opinion, we should complement the campaign launched of one laptop per child, with an urgent new one (campaign) of one laptop per teacher," he stated.
Noting the value of education in human development, the UNESCO Representative said it provides an avenue for personal and mutual enrichment and the promotion of social justice.
He added that education helps to break down social and cultural barriers, and endow every individual with the knowledge, respect and confidence to be engaged with their families, in communities and the nation as responsible citizens.
The two-day conference, held at the Rose Hall Resort and Spa under the theme: 'Technology in Education and Training for Development Goals', attracted some 400 delegates from 16 countries.
Director, Mona Geoinformatics Institute, Dr. Parris Lyew Ayee; Project Director of the Education Transformation Team (ETT), Ms. Jean Hastings; and e-Learning Jamaica Limited, were presented with the EduVision 2009 Awards of Excellence for their contribution to technology and education in Jamaica.
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