CHALLENGES
In order for the digital strategy to effectively work at the St. Matthew's Primary school, challenges seen in this current situation must be addressed.
1. All of the necessary infrastructure needed is not in place for the technological program to work effectively.
2. There is no physical room or computer lab not set up for students to use. It means then, that students have to carry the laptops back to their classrooms. This causes students to loose instruction time due to the length of time needed for them to go to the space the laptops are stored and set up.
3. There are limited student devices that are working.
4. Inadequate internet access and Wi-Fi connectivity is a serious problem on the school plant
5. Insufficient electrical outlets are in the classrooms to plug the laptop charging cords into.
6. There is inadequate electrical capacity to support the multiple laptops use in rooms.
7. The newly acquired laptops have not been holding the charge and must be used with the charging adaptors.
8. Students are unable to interact directly with the technology due to the many issues.
9. There is a cable connection shortage on the one working projector.
10. There are no cords to connect systems to the televisions and the camera.
11. Since there is only one projector, it leads to frequent clashes with the teachers in scheduling to use it.
12. The copiers and printers are always in need of repair. The cost of the ink cartridges, copier master, servicing and repairs to these devices is beyond what the school can currently afford.
13. The room which the Information Technology coordinator occupies is currently used to store all the old devices, monitors, speakers, computers, printers etc. hence there is a lot of congestion and poor circulation in the room.
14. The air condition unit in the room needs to be reconnected.
15. The room is overcrowded with all of the old equipment that needs to be boarded by the Ministry of Education, Technological and Vocational Training.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Proposed Information Technology Lab
1. The proposed lab layout in the picture above can be a possibility of what the new computer lab would look like. Each student would have his own area or space to work in free from distractions. This should allow them to remain focused and be more productive.
2. The electrical capacity of the classrooms need improving and upgrading.
3. Each classroom needs at least 6 - 8 electrical ports to avoid overloading outlets with surge protectors.
4. A reliable internet service provider is needed and adequate routers to enable full wireless access.
5. All of the laptop systems need updating.
6. The chosen software needs to be downloaded on the computer systems to enhance the teaching and learning process.
7. Purchase 3 projectors, one for each department: Infants, Lower Juniors and Upper Juniors.
8. Purchase an additional heavy duty copier / printer.
