The Editor, Sir:

I find it amazing the frequency with which teachers are found 'wanting' by those who wouldn't be expounding the negatives, if they hadn't had a teacher who made a difference in their lives. While I agree that there are many in the system who are 'dead wood,' there are many talented, dedicated others who are touching the lives of thousands of children, preparing them for the future. It is time to stop the 'teacher-bashing' and instead, where necessary, offer constructive criticism.

I became computer-literate through necessity. I was thrust into a UK classroom, (full of inner-city nine-year-olds who knew far more than I about computers) where computers were available, expectations of teachers were high and where it was possible to gain competency through experience. ( I learnt how to switch one on and off pretty quickly.)

Training, alone, does not make one 'computer-literate,' just as passing a driving test does not make one a driver.

I now teach in a jurisdiction which has seen the importance of ITC to promote literacy and learning. I have 12 computers in my English teaching room to enhance my pupils' learning. (And yes, there is a large computer suite on the school campus.)

The computer is now an essential tool for teaching and learning in schools. In many jurisdictions teachers are given hands-on training and are expected to use their ITC skills to, among many other uses, maintain records, plan lessons and as a tool to enhance their pupils' learning.

Computer-shy

As a former principal of both the Sts Peter and Paul and the Mona Preparatory schools, I found that teachers were 'computer-shy' or 'illiterate' because of the lack of access to, or opportunity to use the computer regularly. The general perception was that teaching and using computers was for the 'computer teacher.' Naturally, I disagreed with this perception!

The old adage 'practice makes perfect' is particularly true and if teachers (and administrators) are to fulfill the requirement to become computer literate, then the opportunity must be created by installing a computer in each teacher's classroom across the island or better still, providing the opportunity for each teacher to be provided with a laptop computer, once they have completed some training. Only then will teachers (and administrators) become comfortable enough to use the computer as the invaluable tool it is for teaching, learning and assessment.

I do have a government-issued laptop for school and personal use. In 2000, the UK government came up with a subsidised scheme through which all teachers received laptops.

How could such a programme be financed? I have ideas, but I am sure our new minister of finance, the private sector and the various private school boards can also come up with a creative solution. After all, I'm 'just' a teacher!

I am, etc.,

JUNE SOUTH-ROBINSON

junemarie1958@hotmail.com

Grand Cayman

Via Go-Jamaica