Jamaica to entrench AI into school curriculums

The announcement was made by the Ministry’s Senior Director for Information and Communications Technology, Tyrone Anderson, while delivering the keynote address on behalf of Portfolio Minister, Hon. Fayval Williams, during the AI Web3 Pedagogy Seminar under the theme ‘EdTech Community ReImagined: Innovation in Education’.

The event was held at the University of the Commonwealth Caribbean (UCC) in Kingston, on Thursday (September 12).

Mr. Anderson underscored the Ministry’s commitment to maintaining the core values of education while embracing technological advancements.

“As we take this leap, we are not discarding the foundational values that define education – the warmth of human understanding, the personal touch of a dedicated teacher and the lifelong mentorship that extends far beyond the four walls of our classroom. Today’s educators are not just facilitators of knowledge; they are the navigators of our world, transformed by artificial intelligence and Web3 technologies,” he added.

Web3 refers to the third generation of the World Wide Web (WWW) and a version of the Internet that emphasises personal data ownership and the use of blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies.

Mr. Anderson emphasised the transformative impact of AI and adaptive technology on educational outcomes, highlighting the Ministry’s efforts in developing draft policy guidelines for the use of AI in schools and conducting extensive training initiatives for teachers, school leaders and students.

“We have begun the training of teachers in AI integration for teaching and learning, equipping them to optimise workflows and enhance lesson planning. School leaders are being trained to utilise AI in streamlining administrative processes, while AI is integrated into workflows to produce audiovisual resources supporting innovative student learning,” the Senior Director stated.

The Ministry, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Book Fusion, has implemented accessible digital textbooks for students with varying learning needs, promoting inclusivity and engagement for all learners.

Mr. Anderson highlighted the profound impact of AI power tools on students with disabilities, noting that “AI-powered tools, like speech-to-text or text-to-speech software, are breaking down barriers and opening doors to inclusivity and equity, ensuring every student can access high-quality education”.

He pointed out that teachers stand to benefit immensely from artificial intelligence, “as administrative tasks can be automated, providing more time for engaging with students and fostering a love for learning”.

“Intelligent content creation tools assist teachers in developing adaptive lesson plans tailored to students’ needs,” the Senior Director further indicated.

Mr. Anderson reiterated that the aim is to revolutionise the education sector by leveraging cutting-edge technologies for a more personalised and impactful learning experience.