Ocho Rios Primary gets smart room

Ocho Rios Primary School in St Ann has a new smart room, equipped with technology devices to create a more interactive and modern learning environment for students.

The state-of-the-art facility, which is a gift from Digicel Foundation, includes tools like smart boards, tablets and laptops. It is designed to incorporate digital tools and interactive technologies into daily lessons. Principal Suzette Barnes Wilson, said the room serves as a crucial bridge between foundational literacy and 21st century skills.

"This smart room is more than a classroom; it's a gateway to the future for our students. It enables teachers to tailor instruction, diversify activities, and ignite curiosity. Our learners can explore coding basics, digital storytelling, and virtual simulations that bring distant concepts to life," Barnes Wilson told JIS News.

The principal said that parents can expect continued growth in student engagement, attendance and enthusiasm for school, noting that technology-rich experiences tend to boost motivation and confidence, helping students articulate ideas clearly and work effectively with their peers.

School board chairman, Michael Belnavis, said that Ocho Rios Primary has always been committed to excellence and innovation and "the smart room enhances our ability to prepare students for a rapidly evolving world".

"It complements earlier computer room investments and provides a scalable platform for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics] learning, problem-solving, and collaborative projects. This is a smart step forward for our entire school community," he said.

Belnavis said that the investments are not merely about devices but about transforming pedagogy, adding that teachers now have access to interactive whiteboards, student-responsive software, digital assessment tools, and cloud-based resources that foster independent learning and accountability.

The smart room supports differentiated instruction, enabling teachers to tailor tasks to varying ability levels and learning styles. It also encourages collaborative learning, as students work in teams to troubleshoot challenges, develop presentations, and complete project-based tasks.