T.I.P.S. Workshop hosted by the St Kitts Teachers’ Union

Basseterre, St. Kitts – July 19, 2013: The St Kitts Teachers’ Union is cognizant of the fact that technology and the use thereof by our students is steadily increasing which means teachers will now have to become better versed on the use of technological devices so as to effectively and efficiently incorporate them into the learning environment in a strategic manner that will provide our students with the opportunity to develop all aspects of their intelligence.

Committed to the professional growth of its members, while ensuring that our students receive the highest level of education, the St. Kitts Teachers’ Union (SKTU) launched the programme TIPS for Teachers (Technology Innovations Programme Support). Facilitated by Mr. Nijoe Farrell, TIPS aimed at assisting teachers in acquiring and or developing the skills necessary to aid in the effectual use of technology as an instructional media in their teaching-learning environments; catered to approximately fifty participants: most of who were teachers from the Primary and Secondary levels of education, as well as parents and representatives from non-state organisations. Mr. Farrell, through his extensive knowledge base and apparent love for technology peaked and maintained the interests of the participants over the three day period which was held at the Conference Room of the FND Credit Union.

The workshop opened with remarks by the Chairperson of the SKTU’s Professional Development Committee, Mrs. Michelle Rochester-Woodley. And President of the St Kitts Teachers’ Union, Mr Ron Dublin-Collins, in declaring the workshop opened extended thanks to the Ministry of Sustainable Development and the European Union, through the Non Actors Advisory Panel, for providing funding for the project. He provided a brief overview of the workshop and outlined the Union’s vision for the development of technological skills and knowledge to support student learning.

Over the three day period, the fifty participants were exposed to such areas as Introduction to computer, fundamentals of their desktop and laptop; creating files and folders, Desktop fundamentals, Programs, files, and folders, Internet, e-mail, and networking Windows 7 Basics, Using the Desktop/laptop, Working with Files and Folders, Personalizing Windows 7, Exploring Print Features, and Working with Applications and the Internet.

Participants were also exposed to computer safety tips which they were encouraged to put in practice to preserve the life of their devices. Each day ended on a note which required participants to conduct research and reviews as homework assignments. One the highlights of the training event was the introduction to a School Management System software programme, which sparked a healthy debate, excitement and interest amongst members of the workshop.

The workshop started at 9:00am and ended at 4:00pm daily. On the close of the final day of the workshop, each participant received a Certificate of Completion for their successful participation.