Dinthill High hosts technology literacy symposium by Rasbert Turner – STAR Writer April 29, 2024
The Dinthill Technical High School in St Catherine held its technology literacy symposium last Thursday on the school’s compound, which fascinated the students and teachers at the institution.
Principal Anthony Garwood said the aim is to strengthen and widen the scope of students in choosing careers, which can be made easier with the help of technology literacy. The symposium was held under the theme ‘Technology in Education finding the lost Child’.
“We are thankful for this sort of exposure to technology effectiveness to staff and students, as we can’t afford to be left behind. This symposium will definitely give focus to students to learn with the assistance of virtual reality,” Garwood said.
Literacy specialist at the institution Catorah Stanley-Bent endorsed the symposium as a “total winner”, and noted that the method has helped several students to refocus. Stanley-Bent said the aim is to move to the immersive classroom, which will help the slow learners after they grasp the vocabulary of technology.
“This approach forms the motivation needed to ease the challenge of getting students to read and do critical thinking,” Stanley-Bent said.
“With the use of virtual and augmented reality, it is clear that the students who don’t like to read and are slow will latch on to engagement. With this method you can help them to do descriptive writing. It engages their minds, and we are getting them to learn better,” she added.
Student Chriss-Annie Anderson said it was a great exercise, which she hopes will manifest in the investment of technology in the institution as soon as possible.
“Technology is so wide and multifaceted; it’s the way the world is going, so we are thankful for this exposure,” Anderson said.
President of the parent-Teacher association, Amoy Levers, said it was an activity that is greatly appreciated.
“At a time when technology is playing an integral part of life, it is crucial that the school embraces it. Some parents are aware of the difficulties of their charges, but there is a greater prospect to succeed through the use of technology as a teaching aid,” Levers said.
CEO of Virtual Reality Gregory Moore said there was meaningful interaction with students at the institution.
“This symposium is a great investment, and we did augmented reality, virtual reality, artificial intelligence and simulation. We are pleased with the reception here,” Moore said. “The students are somewhat engaged in technology and we are teaching its benefits, if used properly. This is crucial for development, [otherwise] Jamaica will be left behind,” Moore said.