THA sets up school reopening, digital future committees

Two special purpose committees have been established by the Division of Education, Innovation and Energy to present action plans for teaching and learning in preparation for the "new normal." The education division has stressed its commitment to ensuring all students and teachers on the island are provided with quality education and training in a new and transformed technological era.

According to a press release, the division is in the process of escalating its plans and programmes in response to the covid19 pandemic. It noted that the transformation of education in Tobago includes expanding e-learning opportunities and the provision of technological devices for use by teachers and students.

The two special purpose committees are the digital future committee and the school re-opening committee.

“The digital future committee will formulate and submit procedures for a blended learning approach that includes digital platforms to facilitate learning at ECCE, primary and secondary schools.

“The school re-opening committee will explore all issues that will impact the re-opening of school and provide recommendations and guidelines for health and safety, including physical distancing for students and school personnel,” the division said.

The members of the committee were not named.

Meanwhile, the release said 30 primary and secondary teachers have been trained to develop content for the Moodle platform while 24 others are engaged in learning to utilise open, online education resources.

Additionally, the release said that e-learning initiatives continue and have been expanded to include lessons that target special education and early childhood students as well as addressing psychosocial needs.

“These lessons are currently aired on local and national television and are available on the division’s website, Facebook and YouTube. The division will provide devices for teachers to facilitate e-learning and arrangements are being made to ensure that all students have access to learning devices,” the division said.