(SRC) and Pro-vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI) has called for
fundamental changes in the education system in order to increase the innovation ability of Jamaican students as a path to securing the country’s future growth and economic development.
Speaking at the Scientific Research Council’s public forum “Innovate or Die” recently, Young of a mind-set of innovation among the population, and that this must occur as part of the education process in the schools. “We start our lives with enormous curiosity, enormous resourcefulness, and with a drive toward innovation. Then, we teach our children answers to questions they have never asked,” he said making the point that Jamaican schools
seem to be educating the natural innovative streak out of Jamaican children rather than encouraging that characteristic. “We do not teach them how to ask questions, how to identify problems and how to find workable, logical solutions to problems. We must teach them even if no one has done it before.”
The educator argued that changes in teaching methods and the integration of technology at all academic levels could promote the creativity needed to develop a cadre of business leaders who think outside the box. He agreed that initiatives such as Flow’s Building Leaders Through Technology programme lays the groundwork for changing teaching methods and challenging students. He said that the earlier students are exposed to
technology, the more they will embrace innovation.
Flow, Jamaica’s triple-play service provider, introduced the Building Leaders Through Technology in education. Through the Building Leaders programme, Flow has provided over 100 primary and secondary schools with free internet and cable service, thereby enabling students, teachers as well as parents and community groups to enjoy the real benefits and value of technology as part of the learning process.
Dr. Chadwick Anderson, Executive Director of the Scientific Research Council agreed that access to technology is an important part of the education process. Anderson also hailed Flow’s Building Leaders programme as an important step in bridging the digital divide.
In addition to its support of activities such as the “Innovate or Die” public forum, Flow is involved in several other initiatives aimed at promoting the use of technology as a part of the education process. The broadband service provider also participated in the Ministry of Education’s EduVision 2012 at the Jamaica Conference Centre
Jeanette Lewis (Ms.)
Public Relations Manager-Flow
876-620-3633(SL)
jlewis@flowjamaica.com
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