Ross Sheil, Staff Reporter

Students at Kingston High School use broadband Internet provided by Flow during the launch of the new communications firm's islandwide education initiative. - Norman Grindley /Deputy Chief Photographer

Internet access in the classroom is revolutionising education in Jamaica, according to one student at Kingston High School.

Grade 11 student, Imani Manning, said that, by comparison, the school's previous dial-up connection had been "extremely cumbersome". Her school on King Street, downtown Kingston, is the first of seven schools to receive free broadband access from Flow as it rolls out its service islandwide.

Revolutionised learning

Available for four months, that level of Internet access has "completely revolutionised" the learning process for teachers and students, said Imani.

"As a student progressing in my schoolwork, the need to access information at a quick and efficient rate is of great importance and this is especially important because I am a fifth-form student preparing for CXC examinations," explained the 16-year-old during the official launch of Flow's islandwide education service held at the school yesterday.

She added that it also meant that students no longer have to rely on reaching a library during opening hours and with home Internet access such information can be at hand 24 hours a day.

Huddled around computers in the room, soon to be equipped as part of government's e-Learning project, her fellow students seemed to share her enthusiasm.

"It has helped me greatly with my SBAs (school based assessments)," said fellow fifth-former Roger Barton. "It breaks down the information to my understanding."

Speaking at the event, Maxine Henry-Wilson, Minister of Education and Youth, said the Internet offered greater learning potential especially for boys who might otherwise be uninterested.

"It's not just a question of teaching and learning ... it is to stimulate children to want to learn. It is to enhance that learning experience. How can you, staying right here in Kingston, share experience with students at Campion?" Mrs. Henry-Wilson asked teachers and students.

Under the e-Learning project, 120 schools will be supplied broadband Internet access and $1.86 billion in IT equipment providing for distance learning from master teachers and link-ups with other schools. The primary objective of the project is to raise CSEC pass rates.

Kingston High is one of 20 schools beginning the project this year. Sixty will join in year two, and 70 in year three.

- ross.sheil@gleanerjm.com