It is wonderful to see such technological advances, but I have to question why such initiatives have not been trialled in a 'western national', say Australia, where distance plays a major factor in delivering education to rural communities? Why trial such an expensive initiative in the DR?
To be honest, my observations and experience of working with Dominicans (all my staff are University educated and many have lived and worked overseas) there are major short comings with the education system here, that I honestly don't think a computer based schooling system would even scratch the surface.
More importantly, one of the major by products of education is teaching children important social skills that enable them to function effectively in the community. Turning up to class on time, not speaking in class, doing homework, playing sport... these are all important in developmental and learnt behaviours which are honed by a traditional education system.
How about starting with the basics like reading and writing? I would like to know how a computer based system is going to teach that? It is hard enough for a traditional teacher to ensure that all their students are receiving enough attention to develop their skills.
It would be nice to know that the children going through the education system now will come out being able to do a little more than write a few words that look like chicken scratchings.
I would love to see all Dominicans have the opportunity to receive a good education and an improved standard of living. I am doing my bit by ensuring that our staff are well trained and given opportunities to learn new skills.
The first skill my administration staff have learnt is to think - I have a team of staff who are now able to problem solve and find solutions. We are taking baby steps, but in the past 6 months I have seem a marked improvement. These skills have only been developed from constant reinforcement and refining. I've been the one to sit with my staff, question them, force them to come up with the solution - and then praise them and give positive reinforcement.
I'd like to see how a computer will do that...
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