Technology in Education

  Google Classroom was launched in August of 2014 by Google. It is a suite of online tools that allows teachers to set assignments, have work submitted by students, to mark, and to return graded papers. It was created to eliminate paper in classes and to make digital learning possible. Google classroom is free to use, and it is accessible from any device with a web browser. It was initially planned for use with laptops in schools, such as Chromebooks, in order to allow the teacher and students to more efficiently share information and assignments. As more schools have transitioned to online learning, Google Classroom has gotten far wider use as teachers quickly implement paperless instruction. Classrooms work with Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Sites, Earth, Calendar, and Gmail, and can be supplemented by Google Hangouts or Meet, for face-to-face live teaching or questions. Google Classroom also has features for teachers to manage several classes and invite collaborators. The per...

 The use of technology in classrooms in Jamaica is on the rise, with efforts to integrate digital tools and resources to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Many schools in Jamaica are equipped with interactive whiteboards, smartboards and projectors to enhance classroom teaching. These interactive tools allow teachers to display multimedia presentation, annotate lessons, and engage students in interactive learning activities. The usage of virtual classrooms such as vle, google classroom, and BBC, and distance learning has increased, especially during periods of school closures due to external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic. Online classes and video conferencing platforms are used to maintain continuity in education. Along with the virtual classroom, some schools also use a Learning Management system where course materials, assignment and assessments are displayed. Digital devices such as laptops, tablets, and computers paired with the internet are used to facilitate o...

The availability of technology for use in teaching and learning in the Caribbean varied across different countries and regions. The use of technology in education is being promoted extensively as it is seen where technology plays an important role in education. There has been a rapid growth of the use of technology however there are some challenges that the education system faces as it relates to the use of technology in teaching and learning. Some of these challenges include: Limited access to internet and devices – There has been an expansion across the Caribbean as it relates to accessibility to the internet. This enables access to online resources and educational platforms. Though access to the internet has expanded there are still challenges related to internet infrastructure and connectivity in some rural or remote areas. The availability of devices such as computers, laptops, and tablets are important for educators and students, as they need a device to log on to internet to g...