Technology
2. Technology laws, policies, plans and regulations
2.1. Education technology legislative and policy framework
2.2. Technology infrastructures, technological capacity of schools and learning environments
2.3. Technology competencies of learners and teachers
3.1. Institutions in charge of technology in education and coordination mechanisms
1. Terminology
The 2020-2024 Government programme refers to “ICT”, “e-learning”, and “Digital Education”; “Online education” is mentioned under the context of home-schooling with no specific definition in the 2022 Interim Report Education Review ‘’Obstacles and Avenues To Improve Education’’.
The 2011-2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Report and the 2016 MDG Acceleration Framework refer to the term “ICT” without providing any definitions.
2. Technology laws, policies, plans and regulations
2.1. Education technology legislative and policy framework
Constitution and laws: Article 18 of the 2010 Constitution of Sint Maarten states that “The government’s constant concern is directed at the protection of children and young people and the promotion of their right to education, welfare, cultural development and leisure activities” though it does not mention technology.
The 1991 Compulsory Education Act No.85 states that all children between the ages of 4 and 18 are obligated to attend school. The 2020 Sint Maarten Country Reform Package states that“Sint Maarten’s (compulsory) education system is based on that of the Netherlands, with American and Caribbean influences”.
Policies, plans and strategies: The 2020-2030 Vision shares the country’s national development goals and objectives as a guide for sustainable development and as a basis for the National Development Plans. The vision identified 3 main development themes and 25 visionary goals aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. In education, it aims to ensure the creation of policies that (1) Prepare all students for college and/or the future workforce; (2) Modernize the teaching profession. The goals also aim to “Broaden the curriculum and integrate new methods of teaching by integrating technology training into the delivery of education”.
The Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Report 2011-2015 and the 2016 MDG Acceleration Framework prioritize ICT development and education quality.
National Development Plan is in the process of being developed in collaboration with the UNDP.
The 2020 Sint Maarten Country Reform Package was signed by the Netherlands and Sint Maarten to develop measures aimed at improving eight areas including the education system. The 2022 Interim Report Education Review ‘’Obstacles and Avenues To Improve Education’’ and the Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport (MECYS) 2016–2026 Strategic Plan also provide recommendations to improve educational processes through technology.
The 2018-2022 Governing Programme's key priorities include the revision and modernization of IT operations and technology by developing an ICT vision, policy, and strategy. It also aims to “modernize the approach to education” and “innovate” the curriculum. In addition to that, the 2020-2024 Government programme reports that the government aims to “Formulate and implement a focused national policy for information and communication technology interventions” and aims to “Digitalize the education system in accordance with the changing technology in the world so that students can learn through big data, social media, and digital teaching methods (e-learning)” for a knowledge-based society.
Digital competency frameworks: No information has been found.
Changes occurred as a result of COVID-19: On March 18 2020, all schools were closed as a safety response to the coronavirus COVID-19. To adapt to future changes, the National Development Vision (NDV) was accelerated and published in response to COVID-19.
2.2. Technology infrastructures, technological capacity of schools and learning environments
2.2.1. Technology infrastructure and digital capacity of schools
Electricity: The 2020-2024 Government programme aims to promote and implement “the use of Green Energy Production of Electricity at all government-owned buildings, schools, sport and art facilities".
Computers and devices: The 2020-2024 Government programme aims to provide the required infrastructure and resources to support the educational process and students in their learning process.
Internet connectivity: The 2020-2030 Vision document outlines the strategic actions that aim to “promote internet access across the country and provide access to online education for children and adults”.
The 2020-2024 Government programme objectives for connectivity in schools is to “Work closely with other Government departments in creating a programme where all schools are provided with free Internet for education purposes”.
2.2.2. Technology and learning environments
The 2016–2026 Strategic Plan aims to digitalize the education system so that students can learn through digital teaching and other e-learning methods.
Due to the spread of COVID-19, Saint Maarten, students transitioned to distance education. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth, and Sport (ECYS) developed the Sint Maarten's Education Continuity Plan to provide a comprehensive framework for the continuity of education, assisting schools in devising plans to provide educational opportunities during the pandemic. As part of these efforts, devices were provided to vulnerable students.
2.3. Technology competencies of learners and teachers
2.3.1. Learners
The 2022 Interim Report Education Review ‘’Obstacles and Avenues To Improve Education’’ recommends the inclusion of 21st-century skills (such as technology and social skills) in the curriculum. An increased focus by secondary schools and NIPA on personal development, 21st-century skills (such as technology and social skills), orientation and preparation for higher education. These competencies should be integrated into their curriculum.
The 2020-2030 Vision document outlines the intention to incorporate new teaching methods by integrating technology training into the delivery of education
The 2018-2022 Governing Programme states that curriculum innovation and development include the promotion of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEAM).
2.3.2. Teachers
The 2020-2024 Government programme includes the objective of developing the digital skills for teachers “Ensure that teachers and staff have the competencies to teach and coach in accordance with innovative and digital teaching methods”.
The 2011-2015 Millennium Development Goals (MDG) Report states that a subsidy is awarded to the University of St Martin (USM) for the development and execution of the Teacher Education Programme "The government is collaborating with USM to enhance its Teacher Education Program to meet international standards and gain international accreditation”. The USM Secondary Teaching Certificate Factsheet demonstrates that Educational Technology” is a core subject of its initial training.
2.4. Cybersecurity and safety
2.4.1. Data privacy
The 2010 National Ordinance for the Protection of Personal Data, the data protection act, sets out general principles governing data privacy, including necessity, data minimization, and access limitations.
The 2018-2022 Governing Programme states that as technology is an important pillar, the government will address the General Data Protection Regulation in the privacy law, organize public awareness campaigns, and take a proactive approach to safeguard data privacy.
2.4.2. Online abuse and cyberbullying
The 2018-2022 Governing Programme explicitly states that through the General Data Protection Regulation, the government aims to combat cybercrime.
3. Governance
3.1. Institutions in charge of technology in education and coordination mechanisms
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Youth and Sport is responsible for the country’s regulations, policy, and vision on education.
3.2. Roles of schools
No legislation has been found concerning the role of schools, particularly concerning their authority to ban mobile phones.
