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JTA still concerned about internet access even as task force set up for reopening of schools

Jasford Gabriel
 
Internet connectivity will be one of the main challenges a task force set up to advise on the reopening of schools will have to deal with based on indications from the Jamaica Teachers' Association (JTA).
 
JTA President Jasford Gabriel says it is becoming increasingly clear that a blended approach to classes will have to be taken in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Such an approach would see students doing most of their lessons online and some in the physical classroom.
 
Mr. Gabriel says this means broadband connectivity will be extremely important. 
 
"If it is predominantly going to be online, as it is shaping up to be, then the real issue is the one we've been asking about in terms of our readiness with broadband connectivity across the country. We now will have to go into the communities where students and teachers are in order to get the lessons out and so, we still are quite determined in finding out the status of the broadband connectivity as opposed to where we were March 12 when we closed," he asserted.  
 
Mr. Gabriel said he believes teachers are more equipped now to deliver lessons virtually than they were at the start of the pandemic. 
 
"Almost all our teachers have gotten official training and would be far more proficient in managing the online platforms, and so, it's what we do. We're quite keen in getting on with the business of education but we have to balance that in terms of the pandemic and the availability of the resources," he said, noting that many teachers are concerned that they do not have sufficient data to be able to bring the lessons online. 
 
The taskforce, chaired by Education Minister Fayval Williams, was established on Wednesday to decide the way forward regarding the reopening of schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
 
Schools are set to reopen on October 5.
 
But Mr. Gabriel said anxiety persists among teachers in relation to the health risks posed by COVID-19.
 
"There is still the fear factor. We have to take on the necessary precautions to be safe and so there is that factor there in terms of self preservation. But the teachers are quite keen in engaging our students," he revealed. 
 
 
 


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