Education
Enid Capron Primary School Celebrates Reading Month 2022
#TurksandCaicos, March 11, 2022 – The Enid Capron Primary School celebrated its annual Reading Month this February under the theme: “Read Something New in 2022”. Our activities included: An Opening Ceremony, Word of the Week Competition, Teacher and Student Swap Reading Time, a Storytelling Competition, Kindergarten
Pyjama Day and Speech Competition. Head of the Reading Committee, Ms. Nelene Swan, stated in her remarks: “February was a month filled with a number of exciting Reading initiatives to encourage our students to read more. It gave them the opportunity to see how reading can enhance their vocabulary and also take them anywhere in the world through pictures and stories. Overall, it was a great experience for the students and built a greater partnership with the Teachers and Parents.” Prizes included cash, story books and school supplies.
Enid Capron Primary School- Reading Month 2022
Speech Competition
The Annual Speech Competition was a highlight of the Reading Month celebrations. For this competition, E.C.P.S. students from Grades 4 to 6 were asked to write a 500-word essay then read it to a panel of judges and an audience on the topic: “Exploring Our Learning Options: The Hybrid Approach”.
“EXPLORING OUR LEARNING OPTIONS: THE HYBRID APPROACH”
Calvin Sejour- E.C.P.S. Speech Competition 2022: 1st Place Winner
Good morning. I am Calvin Sejour and this Tuesday morning; I will speak to you about the hybrid approach to learning. The hybrid approach comes along with the rise of education technology; schools have adopted teaching methods that diverge from the typical classroom environment. Distance learning is being used on a worldwide scale, and many educational institutions are starting to implement hybrid learning models.
However, hybrid learning is more than just tossing half of your syllabus into a virtual classroom. Instead, it is a comprehensive approach to combining the best parts of face-to-face and online learning to create the ideal learning experience. Hybrid learning is an educational model where some students attend class in person, while others join the class virtually from home. Educators teach remote and in-person students at the same time using tools like video conferencing hardware and software.
Both face-to-face and online learning have their benefits and weaknesses. The goal of hybrid learning is to combine the two formats to create a singular learning experience without any weak spots. Many schools transition to hybrid learning for flexibility: a flexible learning schedule, flexibility in teaching modes, flexibility in how students engage with their learning materials, and flexibility in collaboration and communication between peers and their instructor. For students who aren’t able to attend classes in person, the hybrid learning environment allows them to learn remotely from home.
How do some teachers feel about hybrid learning?
Most teachers saw it as the worst of all options, and hated it almost instantly. Nearly two years into the pandemic, hybrid classes have been largely locked back into the pandemic toolbox and most schools are open for full-time in-person classes. But a quieter war over hybrid teaching is still underway.
Hybrid courses are a specific mode of learning that may not suit every student. Some students procrastinate more than others; some are satisfied with barely passing a course. If you are this type of person, you may find that a hybrid course is much more time consuming and difficult for you.
Thank you.
“EXPLORING OUR LEARNING OPTIONS: THE HYBRID APPROACH”
Hello. My name is Ava Welch, a fifth-grade student at the Enid Capron Primary School.
Ava Welsh- E.C.P.S Speech Competition 2022: 2nd Place Winner
Hybrid learning is an educational approach to learning in which students appear at school, which is face-to- face learning and engages in classes online. In using my class for an example, we are split into two groups. The first group has two days, and the second group has three days. This changes every two weeks. This allows for the students to go to all classes, for example Music class which is every other week.
Websites state that hybrid learning describes an educational model in which students spend at least half of their time learning online and the rest of their time learning in physical classrooms. In my words I would just say Hybrid learning is something that happened when covid 19 started, half of a class went to school, and the other half stayed at home online.
I do not think hybrid learning is the best approach because you have some children who may have trouble navigating the online process. There are also children who are unsupervised because their parents must work, so the kids sometimes play games and do not pay attention in class. The teachers have two days a week with 1 set of students and then 3 days with the other set of students face to face. To keep the kids on the same level the teacher may have to repeat his/her lessons over again leaving less time for the whole class to learn new things.
It is my opinion that some students take advantage of online classes. One reason is because they can turn off their microphones and cameras and do whatever they desire, for example, on the days when we were fully online, some of my classmates use to lay on their comfortable beds while everyone else would sit on their wooden chairs.
People can also take advantage of face-to-face education, because they can just chat with friends and not pay any attention in class and those kids who do that will get left behind in class or work. As for me, whether online, face to face or hybrid learning, I make sure to pay attention.
Hybrid learning is something that I would recommend when covid-19 numbers are high. Overall, I do not recommend hybrid learning because I believe it is hard for students and teachers alike. ‘
Do any of you know Samajeo Williams? Well, if not, he is the Director of the National Public Health Labotory in the Turks and Caicos Islands and also, he is my amazing dad! Right now, Covid-19 numbers are low so I would not recommend hybrid learning. Face to face learning is always the best way for kids to learn.
Thank you.
“EXPLORING OUR LEARNING OPTIONS: THE HYBRID APPROACH”
A pleasant Tuesday morning to you all. My name is Deliesha Toussaint. Today, I will be talking about the Hybrid Approach and other approaches to learning. I will also share with you the one that is my favourite.
Deliesha Toussaint- E.C.P.S. Speech Competition 2022: 3rd Place Winner
What is the Hybrid approach? It is a combination of two different methodologies or systems that has the aim to create a new and better model to learning.
However, hybrid learning is more than just tossing half of your syllabus into a virtual classroom. Instead, it is a comprehensive approach to combining the best parts of face-to-face and online learning to create the ideal learning experience In some cases, hybrid classes include learning elements, like online exercises and pre-recorded video instruction, to support face-to-face classroom sessions. When planned well, hybrid courses combine the best aspects of in-person and online learning while making education more attainable for many students.
Face-to-face learning can be good especially since wifi at our homes can be slow. When the Wi-Fi is slow, the teacher thinks I am playing games but I am not. However, when we are at school for face-to-face learning we play around.
I prefer online learning. One reason I like virtual learning is that there is no fighting.
\Also, with online learning, we can sleep and the teacher will never know!
On the other hand, learning online can be very distracting. Some of us come to learn but some come to play. We do not study; we do not do our class assignments either.
Students at my school say that they like virtual school because:
- there is no fighting
- they get away with doing things without the teacher finding out about it
- they get more time to eat
I want my school to remain doing face-to-face learning even though I support the hybrid approach.
I thank you.
Photo Captions:
Header: Winning Class of the Storytelling Competition: Grade 2Fulford
1st insert: Speech Competition Finalists
Office of University Relations
22nd April 2024
Eleuthera, THE BAHAMAS – A pioneering cohort of 43 Eleuthera residents graduated from the University of The Bahamas’ (UB’s) free Leading Light Programme, sponsored by Disney Cruise Line (DCL) on Friday 19th April, 2024.
The programme, launched in February 2024 and delivered through UB’s Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning (CeLEARN), offers a series of courses to ensure Eleuthera has a proficient workforce capable of delivering unparalleled hospitality leadership as the island experiences a sharp growth in tourism arrivals. The graduation ceremony was held at the Eleuthera Chamber of Commerce Business Hub in Rock Sound, Eleuthera.
The courses focused on tourism and hospitality skills, leadership development and effective communication. They were taught by UB faculty and included guest lecturers such as former Director General of Tourism, Minister of Tourism and Secretary General of the Caribbean Tourism Organization Vincent Vanderpool Wallace and veteran hospitality professor Dr. Lincoln Marshall.
“This programme represents the mission-driven collaboration and skills-building that University of The Bahamas is committed to fostering, supported by an important industry partner like Disney Cruise Line,” noted UB President (Acting) Janyne Hodder. “Given the importance of the tourism industry to our nation, we know how vital it is that we continually equip our workforce with diverse expertise to uphold our reputation for excellence in hospitality. We are grateful for this collaboration with Disney Cruise Line which has facilitated programme delivery in Eleuthera, enabling UB to broaden access to much sought-after professional development.”
As training and skills development programming grows across the island of Eleuthera, the Leading Light Programme experience was tailored to be free of charge, accessible and conclude with participants earning a UB certification that signals the high standard of education for which the University is recognized. Students came from all walks of life and traveled from as far away as Hatchet Bay in the North, and Bannerman Town in the South to Rock Sound for classes. Programme participants also received a stipend to defray the cost of commuting and other personal expenses.
Nora Smith, a manager at the picturesque Jack’s Bay Club, yearned to increase her skills.
“I would recommend this programme to anyone because The Bahamas is known as a tourism destination. Taking this course in tourism and hospitality, can help me to go far in dealing with tourists daily in my workplace,” she said.
Graduate Javonne Richards appreciated the comprehensive curriculum and the ease of access to the courses that were offered.
“This programme not only fills a gap in our Eleuthera education offerings, but also equips participants with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in dynamic work environments,” he noted.
Director General of Tourism Mrs. Latia Duncombe, who delivered the keynote address at the graduation ceremony, shared three essential qualities for successful tourism professionals: energy, creativity and a welcoming personality.
“Your fresh perspectives and innovative ideas are invaluable to creating unique, unforgettable customer experiences,” said Mrs. Duncombe. “While technology such as Artificial Intelligence, also have a role to play, human interaction remains essential.”
Minister of Works and Family Island Affairs and Member of Parliament for Central and South Eleuthera the Honourable Clay Sweeting commended the partnership that is supporting community growth.
“I am proud of every Eleutheran who came from near and far to take advantage of this opportunity,” said Minister Sweeting. “As Eleuthera’s economy continues to grow, especially in Central and South Eleuthera, I encourage more corporate partners to invest in the local community in innovative ways, like the University of The Bahamas and Disney Cruise Line have, so that we can continue to strengthen our local communities.”
Two additional cohorts will be offered this year, increasing the pipeline of Eleutherans who are optimally skilled as hospitality and tourism ambassadors. Registration for the summer programme will open on May 17 and the second cycle of courses begins June 17, 2024. Fall programme dates are September 23 through November 29, 2024. To learn more about the Leading Light Programme and how to enroll, please email atynes@eleutherahambercommerce.com.
KINGSTON, April 24 (JIS):
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, has declared Jamaica a science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) island with a vision of fostering innovation, driving economic growth, and empowering citizens to thrive in the global knowledge economy.
“Through our collaborative all-hands-on-deck approach, Government, private sector, academia and civil society, we will work towards this goal. Jamaica is now officially declared a STEM island,” he said.
Prime Minister Holness was addressing the Future Ready International Conference held at the University of Technology (UTech) in Kingston on April 24.
As a STEM island, he said that the Government will seek to implement comprehensive education reforms from the primary to the tertiary levels, with the objective of developing a skilled workforce, capable of competing in global markets.
He said that ecosystems will be developed to encourage startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators in the STEM disciplines to drive industry and economic growth, as well as to address social issues.
“We will encourage the growth of STEM industries such as biotechnology, information technology and advanced manufacturing. We will also leverage STEM to grow and monetise the musical, artistic, cultural and other natural talents of our people. We will leverage STEM solutions to address environmental challenges including climate change, renewable energy and sustainable agriculture,” the Prime Minister said.
“We will position Jamaica as a hub for STEM research, innovation, collaboration and other developments in the Caribbean and beyond,” he added.
The Prime Minister said that by embracing STEM as a national priority, Jamaica will unlock its full potential driving prosperity, peace and productivity in a sustainable, equitable way for all our Jamaican citizens and, indeed, the world,” Holness said.
CONTACT: ROCHELLE WILLIAMS
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