The installation of these devices in the classroom is projected to enhance the hybrid learning experience in instances where complete in-person teaching cannot be facilitated.

This is according to the Education Minister, Dr Natalio Wheatley who made the disclosure at a recent community meeting.

A hybrid learning system is an educational model where class attendance allows for some students to attend in-person, while others join the class virtually from home. Within this model, educators teach both types of students at the same time using technologies like video conferencing hardware and software.

Outlining some of the plans for local education, Dr Wheatley said: “I’m going to do more work to equip our schools with things like cameras to ensure that when persons are at home and the teacher is in the classroom teaching, the persons at home would be able to see what they do up on the board.”

Over $1 million invested in technology

Dr Wheatley said his government has been doing quite a lot in upgrading a number of schools across the territory with various technologies.

This included an investment well in excess of a million dollars for the purchase of hundreds of computers.

“We had about 500 laptops that we secured for technology and we just got an additional shipment on top of those 500 laptops, another set of hundreds of laptops that we got through the Caribbean Development Bank. So we are well equipped as it pertains to technology in our schools,” he stated.

The minister told residents to expect other major projects to be completed at schools and said his ministry is poised to sign six contracts in the coming days to facilitate works at respective schools.