Students from 35 Jamaica schools to get tablet computers

(Jamaica Gleaner) The government is to spend J$850 million to provide students and teachers from 35 schools with tablet computers.

The tablets are a new component of the e-Learning programme, under which a pilot programme will begin September.

Technology Minister, Phillip Paulwell says the computers would come preloaded with age appropriate applications and games, approved textbooks and software for students up to Grade 12.

He says the devices will also have security features which allow them to be tracked, if stolen, and to bar children from accessing dangerous or inappropriate content.

The basic, junior high and high schools chosen to participate in the project have been assessed by the Ministry of Education and found to be among the low performing ones academically.

Paulwell says the schools would be made into wireless hotspots, offering free access to broadband internet for students and the wider community.

Today members of parliament were able to follow the energy minister’s presentation on tablet computers which were presented to them.

Paulwell says the use of tablets was part of the government’s efforts to move away from paper, reduce costs and make information more accessible to the public.