The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information is championing the integration of artificial intelligence into the nation’s educational framework.
In fact, Portfolio Minister, Senator Dr. the Hon. Dana Morris Dixon, describes the technology as critical to preparing Jamaica’s students for the challenges and opportunities of the modern world.
“Artificial intelligence (AI) is not the future, it’s the now and so we have to be using it. Here at the Ministry, we are committing to ensuring our students have access to AI and our teachers use AI,” said Dr. Morris Dixon.
She was addressing students of Cornwall College in Montego Bay, St. James, during the school’s Science and Wellness Health Fair on Friday, December 6.
Dr. Morris Dixon outlined the Ministry’s progressive approach to AI, revealing a broad strategy that aims to integrate technological literacy across Jamaica’s education sector.
She noted that this past summer, the Ministry developed an AI in Schools Policy to maintain the core values of education, while embracing technological advancements.
Moreover, the Minister pointed out the practical applications of AI across various sectors and noted that universities like the University of the West Indies are already leveraging AI to solve real-world problems in Jamaica.
The Jamaica Artificial Intelligence Association is also actively developing technologies to benefit the country, she said.
“We’re even looking at WhatsApp and how we can use WhatsApp more in government. In fact, we’re actually [exploring] the technology to be able to understand patois better, so that over time in government, we can incorporate WhatsApp more in communicating with our people,” Dr. Morris Dixon said.
“We don’t want any Jamaican student to leave high school and not be digitally literate,” she added.
In the meantime, the Minister said this vision includes equipping schools with advanced technology and establishing partnerships with entities such as HEART/NSTA Trust, to expand vocational education and training.
The Ministry, she noted, aims to set up more labs in schools and promote vocational subjects to prepare students for global job markets where skilled trades, such as plumbing, construction, and electrical work, are in high demand.
“So, please make use of your time and make use of your talents,” she emphasised.
Dr. Morris Dixon also visited Corinaldi Avenue Primary School, where she reinforced the significance of early-childhood education in national development.
She said the Ministry is committed to supporting the school for further development and encouraged the students to strive for greatness, reminding them of their special opportunities and responsibilities.
