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Mico Hosts STEM Training Camp

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JIS: The Mico University College is hosting a five-day training camp to introduce Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based methodologies to address teaching and learning challenges within the education sector.

 

This is being done in partnership with IBM Canada and IBM World Trade Corporation (Jamaica).

 

The workshop, to be attended by teachers and students, is being held from July 18-22 and is in response to gaps identified in the National Education Inspectorate (NEI) Report of 2015.

 

In his remarks at the opening ceremony, held at The Mico University College today (July 18), General Manager, IBM World Corporation, Jamaica, Gordon Foote, said he hopes the training camp will help transform the education sector.

 

“Our technology camps are designed to generate an awareness of science and technology in general. These camps also offer volunteers the opportunity to share their professional and personal experience as role models, which fosters a positive environment conducive to learning,” Mr. Foote said.

 

He added that at the camp, children will be able to explore science and technology through team-based learning and hands-on activities.

 

“This camp will focus on engaging teachers and children from eight schools in the inner cities of Kingston to discover the reality of science, technology, engineering and maths,” Mr. Foote noted.

 

For her part, Chief Education Officer at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr. Grace McLean, said the camp is a response to the needs of the education system.

 

“We are grateful that this university has taken the lead in building capacity in our teachers and prospective teachers as you continue to utilise the National Education Inspectorate recommendations to improve the system,” Dr. McLean said.

 

The training camp is the first of its kind in the Caribbean that will train both Mico Faculty members and students from surrounding schools using STEM methodology.

 

It will consist of very practical topics, which will include learning-based challenges, robotics, a field trip and bridge building with a twist.

 

CAPTION:

Chief Education Officer at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Information, Dr. Grace McLean (second left) shares a light moment with (from left) Pro-Chancellor, The Mico University College, Neville Ying; Director, Communications and Public Relations, IBM Canada, Joanne Fortin, and General Manager, IBM World Corporation, Jamaica, Gordon Foote. Occasion was the official opening of a five-day training camp to introduce Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) based methodologies to address teaching and learning challenges within the education sector. The ceremony was held at The Mico University College on July 18.