Key terms

 Here are some key terms you should know:

Technology Plan

A technology plan focuses on the institution's investment and overall use of technology.  It is usually long term and implemented over a period of time.  In this plan, emphasis is on the procurement and use of technology.  A technology plan involves a needs analysis of the school's current infrastructure and digital security compared to its future needs.  The technology plan has a budgetary component which is concerned with acquiring and/or spending of funds for said technology.  

                                                                

Digital Strategy

A digital strategy is part of a technology plan.  It focuses on the use of technology to achieve specific goals as set out in the technology plan to enhance instruction and learning.  A digital strategy focuses on the use of technology to complement teaching and learning within the institution.  The digital strategy deals with the implementation of the technology plan.

AUP 

AUP stands for Agreed User Policy.  This is the set of rules that the stakeholders of the institution agrees upon that dictates how technology (hardware and software) is used.

PLC - Professional Learning Community

A professional learning community is a group of educators who meet and share experiences and expertise.  They usually collaborate to improve teaching skills and academic performance of students.  In the professional learning community, emphasis is on the educator and improving instruction and strategies.

PLN - Professional Learning Network 

A professional learning network is a group of persons who work collaboratively to improve teaching and learning (Brown and Poortman 2018)  These persons connect with others through the use of digital resources like social media to exchange resources and ideas.  Like PLC, working collaboratively is key, however, in the PLN, emphasis is placed on improving the learning outcomes of students.

Now that you know the differences, we can now move forward to discussing the need for a digital strategy vs a technology plan for Deacons Primary School.

 

Purpose

Purpose

In the 21st century, the development of technology has accelerated at a phenomenal rate.  Increasingly, understanding and using technology has become an integral part of everyday life.  Schools are readily becoming an environment where teachers and students can access current technology, software tools and applications at the swipe or push of a button.   

As the curriculum becomes more student-centered and inquiry-based, teachers are now expected to be knowledgeable and skilled in using these technologies.  They should be able to integrate said technologies into lessons to foster effective instruction and to affect and motivate learners.  Additionally, students are now expected to use technological tools to communicate, problem-solve and think creatively.  

The classroom is the primary place where students will gain in-depth exposure, experience and knowledge.  Hence, schools must be equipped with diverse technologies to support teaching and learning.  

Watch the video below to see how a school in Singapore uses technology to enhance teaching strategies. 

Vision

Deacons Primary School believes that the use of technology will bridge the digital divide in developing countries such as ours and the wider international communities.  At our institution, we aim to develop life-long learners and digitally-literate citizens.  We believe that technology can be used as a tool for instruction and learning that will:-

* maximize the capabilities and skills of teachers and students; 

* create a stimulating environment for learners; 

* meet the differentiate styles and rate of learners;

* create critical thinkers and problem-solvers;

*  create digital equity among users; and

*  improve efficiency in communication and administrative tasks.

Background

 History of the School

Deacons Primary School was officially opened on 7th September 1964 by Mrs. Carolyn Barrow, wife of the then Premier Errol Walton Barrow.  

The School is located at 2nd Avenue Bird's River Land, Deacons Road, St. Michael.  The school was built to meet the demands for primary education for the new Farm Housing Area, Goodland and Brandons communities.

Deacons Primary School started with a role of 420 students.  Within a short period, the school was known for its academic excellence!  It became the first choice of households within its immediate environs and beyond.  

The first principal of the school was Miss Gwendolyn J. Winter.  She insisted on establishing a very professional approach to teaching and learning, which was continued by successive principals such as: -

              Miss G. Daniel            -    1969 - 1979                                             

              Mrs. A. King               -    1979 - 1991

              Mrs. B. Brathwaite      -   1991 - 1995 

              Mr. R. Trotman            -   1996 - 2005

              Mrs. King                    -    2005     

              Mr. Grenville Hinds    -    2006                          

              Mrs. L. Burke              -    2006 -2008

              Mrs.  Shirley Marshall  -  2008 - 2015 

              Ms. Jennifer Jordan     -   2016 - 2019                                     

The school was also a pilot school for Barbados' Edutech 2000 programme. 

Our current principal is Miss Sylvia Atherley and our Senior Teacher is Miss Sandra King.  The school has a staff complement of 20 teachers and provides instruction to 210 students.  

The school prides itself on developing its students holistically.  Students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities such as Brownies, Cub Scouts, Kiwani's K-Kids Club, Sunshine Club, Reading Spring, swimming, football, netball, track and field, choir, and steelpan.

See what some of us have to say about our institution!