Edward touts COVID silver lining technology pivot in new school year | Loop St. Lucia – Loop News St. Lucia

Minister for Education, Shawn Edward is hopeful for the upcoming school year which began on Monday, September 5, 2022.

In a recent address to the nation, the Minister mentioned setbacks during the last two years and his hope for the new academic year.

"The promise of the new year is steeped in the experiences and lessons learnt from the impact of COVID-19 on our education system. In some measure, it can be said that COVID-19 provided a silver lining for education, as it was the catalyst needed for pivoting our approach to instruction and learning. Navigating the rough tides associated with the harrowing experience and impact of the pandemic, highlighted and demonstrated our resilience and adaptability as a system, as education administrators, as teachers, as parents and as students.

As we transition back to the normalcy of our pre-covid existence, we will be including in our instruction and learning repertoire the knowledge and skills acquired over the past two years. "

According to Edward, the intent of the Ministry of Education is to ensure that students become competent and creative in a digital environment with the integration of Information and Communication Technology in Education. For this reason, students from various secondary schools will be issued devices for their continued learning.

"Primary schools will also benefit from over 2000 devices and smart classrooms in the coming months, as the Ministry has invested in transforming some of our classrooms into SMART spaces. Also, at the primary level, we have undertaken a pilot with Grade 3 students at select primary schools, where the instruction and learning will be mainly interactive through the use of technology."

The Education Minister also noted serval other initiatives for the 2022/23 academic year which include;- The introduction of the Mandarin Pilot Programme in two secondary schools, alongside the eventual inclusion of the Creole language- The provision of welfare support systems and psychosocial services for students- A continuation of the school feeding programme

Edward also offered his gratitude to the relevant stakeholders including Trade Union Organizations, The NPA, NYC, National Students' Council, RSLPF, Ministry of Health, the School Boards and the staff and students.

With the recent changes to the COVID-19 protocols effective September 5th, 2022, a number of large group activities are expected to make a return to the academic calendar, such as sports and science fairs.

"At this juncture, the Ministry of Education, Sustainable Development, Innovation, Science, Technology and Vocational Training expresses gratitude to school leaders and teachers for their unwavering commitment to all our students at all strata of the education system. The teaching profession has become increasingly challenging in an ever-evolving technological environment. With this in mind, I applaud your efforts for first, accepting the training offered to enhance your delivery through the use of technology and secondly, for the passion exhibited towards elevating and empowering our students to unlock their full potential."

In an event dubbed "PRESENT- Proudly Representing Each School" teachers will be encouraged to wear the uniform of their alma matte to work, in an expression of gratitude for the commitment and innovation displayed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the exception of one school on island, all educational instruction will be held face to face, five days a week.

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Edward touts COVID silver lining technology pivot in new school year | Loop St. Lucia - Loop News St. Lucia