Invitations
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TEL-isphere 99
The Caribbean & Technology-Enhanced Learning
From the Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Culture, Barbados
I should like to welcome you to Barbados and would be pleased if you could participate in this important conference.
The future of small island states like the ones in our region, has become tremendously topical recently because many of us realise that there is an inherent vulnerability in our nations regardless of how well we are doing as a country and as a people.
In Barbados, we recognise that every citizen must be educated to the maximum of his or her potential in order that we can compete globally. The government has determined that education is the single most important investment that we can make as a country and because of that, has committed itself to an Educational Sector Enhancement Programme known as EduTech 2000, an initiative which will be the largest public sector investment programme in the country over the next decade.
We embarked on EduTech 2000 because we recognised that even though Barbados has a good educational system, it is one that cannot sufficiently meet the challenges of a rapidly changing international economy. If we, as a small island state, are to reach our dreams of being able to influence the global civilisation in the 21st century, then we must educate our population through, and in the use of, the newest information and communications technologies available. It is also recognised that general curriculum reform is necessary to ensure that the skills and competencies so critical for economic development are developed in our schools. At the same time, programmes and teaching-learning strategies are being developed to enable young persons to become responsible citizens, capable of keeping the society cohesive and maintaining those positive attitudes, values and beliefs that enhance the life of the individual and his/her position in the family, community and nation.
I invite you to take part in the conference, and, while here, see some of the newest technological innovations that are currently being implemented throughout our schools, as well as provide us with an opportunity to learn from your experiences and plans. This sharing of information and expertise will help to ensure that all our students, and our societies as a whole, are well equipped to face whatever lies ahead of us.
The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, M.P.
Minister of Education, Youth Affairs and Culture
From the President of The Commonwealth of Learning
Dear Friends,
On behalf of The Commonwealth of Learning, I extend to you my personal invitation to attend TEL-isphere 99, The Caribbean & Technology-Enhanced Learning conference in Barbados. TEL-isphere 99 is expected to attract delegates from throughout the Caribbean and North America, as well as from other regions of the world. The conference will focus its attention on the use of communications and information technologies, and their potential to increase access and enhance learning experiences by helping students become active participants in the educational process.
I hope you will join me in Barbados in November and make this conference a professionally rewarding and worthwhile experience. I look forward to welcoming you to TEL-isphere 99.
Professor Gajaraj Dhanarajan,
President and C.E.O.,
The Commonwealth of Learning
