ITALIC’s progress is to be evaluated

IBM representatives Cliff Kramer, David Whirlow, Al
Christie, Anne Paterson and Tina Winter with Deputy
Permanent Secretary for Education Mary Rodrigues
during TAP II, the second consulting evaluation of the
integration of technology and education in the
Cayman Islands

Friday, May 21, 2004

IBM education experts, education officials, teachers and students have started assessing the progress made with ITALIC, Improving Teaching and Learning In The Cayman Islands, since the programme started in May 2002.

The technology assessment profile (TAP) will be the second consulting evaluation carried out in relation to ITALIC.

The first TAP, done in 2002, rated the Islands “early-tech” with regard to hardware, connectivity, professional development, content and access.

TAP II will use focus groups, interviews and school visits to gather information on ITALIC’s progress.

IBM specialists will then assess this information to identify the successes, challenges, risks, and benefits of ITALIC, said IBM Education Transformation Specialist Randy Jurasek.

“Through the six focus groups, IBM experts will review the current curriculum and assess how technology supports education.

“The groups will concentrate on different areas of ITALIC such as professional development, Internet access, community connections, business and education support technology, and leadership, communication and transformation,” explained Mr Jurasek.

Permanent Secretary Joy Basdeo said the Ministry of Education and IBM would use the evaluation report to prioritise short-, medium- and long-term recommendations regarding ITALIC.

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