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 2001 Information and Communication Technology Policy Framework for Use in the Education System and the Strategy for implementing national ICT in Education Policy in the Commonwealth of Dominica 2004-2009 uses the term Information and Communication Technology (ICT).
The 1997 Education Act (as amended lastly in 2008), defines “distance education” as “an educational process in which a significant proportion of the teaching is conducted through one medium or a combination of media by persons removed in space or time from the learners.”
2. Technology laws, policies, plans and regulations
2.1. Education technology legislative and policy framework
Constitution and laws: The 1997 Education Act (as amended lastly in 2008), which provides for the orderly and coordinated development of the educational system in Dominica, requires the Minister in charge of education to ensure the establishment and pursuit of goals and objectives that encourage the development of the basic knowledge and skills in all persons, such as literacy, listening, speaking, reading, writing, numeracy, mathematics, analysis, problem-solving, and computing and the understanding of the role of science and technology in society together with scientific and technological skills, among others. The 2011 Education Regulations provide no information regarding the incorporation of technology into the formal education system.
The 2000 Telecommunications Act (as amended in 2001) regulates telecommunications, establishes the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, and provides for incidental or related matters.
Policies, plans and strategies: In 2001, the Information and Communication Technology Policy Framework for Use in the Education System was drafted. The policy promoted equitable access to educational resources through the strategic application of information and communication technologies. It promoted the use of appropriate school management information systems to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of education administration. Moreover, the development of a teaching force in which all practitioners possess the critical skills and competencies required to use ICT to enhance the teaching/learning processes was encouraged. In 2004 the National Policy on ICT in Education in the Commonwealth of Dominica was approved and adopted.
The Strategy for implementing national ICT in Education Policy in the Commonwealth of Dominica 2004-2009 was developed. The strategy provided a roadmap for students, schools, teachers, principals, and ministerial staff to integrate ICT into the curriculum, administration, and training.
The National Resilience Development Strategy 2030 of Dominica identifies the incorporation of smart school technology as a strategic intervention for enhancing the quality of teaching and learning in the education sector.
Digital competency frameworks: No formal digital competency framework for students or teachers was found in Dominica.
2.2. Technology infrastructures, technological capacity of schools and learning environments
2.2.1. Technology infrastructure and digital capacity of schools
According to the 2011 Education Regulations the authority of a school is required to conduct an inspection of the school premises annually, or at such times as may be specified in the school premises maintenance manual, or as the circumstances require, in order to detect structural, electrical, or other defects.
The National Resilience Development Strategy 2030 of Dominica includes initiatives to improve school infrastructure, such as the initiatives to establish policies on solar photovoltaic systems to provide alternative electrical power for schools.
Computers and devices: The 2004-2009 Strategy for Implementing the National ICT in Education Policy in the Commonwealth of Dominica included as one of its objectives ensuring equitable access to ICT resources for all students and teachers within the Education system.
The Fourth Medium-Term Growth and Social Protection Strategy (GSPS) 2014–2018 outlined initiatives for introducing a comprehensive programme for the use of information and communications technology in every educational institution and a programme to provide students with laptops.
Internet connectivity: The 2000 Telecommunications Act (as amended in 2001) incorporates the establishment of a "Universal Service Fund" for the promotion of universal services and the contribution of every provider of telecommunications to this fund. The term "universal service" refers to the provision of public voice telephony, internet access, and telecommunications services to schools, hospitals, and similar institutions, as well as individuals with disabilities and other services that provide individuals with access to efficient, affordable, and modern telecommunications.
2.2.2. Technology and learning environments
According to the 1997 Education Act (as amended lastly in 2008) the Minister may include (e) distance education as part of the system of public education.
The OECD Education Sector Response and Recovery Strategy to COVID-19 has established alternative modalities of education due to the suspension of in-person classes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, digital and print media were used to ensure educational continuity.
2.3. Technology competencies of learners and teachers
2.3.1. Learners
The 1997 Education Act (as amended lastly in 2008) requires the Minister in charge of education to establish and pursue goals and objectives that encourage the development of basic knowledge and skills in all persons, including computing and the understanding of the role of science and technology in society together with scientific and technological skills, among others.
The Curriculum and Measurement Unit develops curricula and curricular guides for subjects such as Mathematics, Language Arts, Modern Languages, Social Sciences, Science and Technology, Visual and Performing Arts, Health and Family Life Education, Music, Physical Education and Sports, and Technical Vocational Education and Training.
The Caribbean Examinations Council, under the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States- Education Sector Strategy 2012-2021, developed the Primary Grades' Learning Standards for Science and Technology in 2018.
The Strategy for implementing national ICT in Education Policy in the Commonwealth of Dominica 2004-2009 aimed to provide a reasonable level of Computer Literacy to all students and teachers in the system and for curricula reforms to integrate ICTs into the curricula.
2.3.2. Teachers
The 1997 Education Act (as amended lastly in 2008), specifies that the Minister may, in consultation with organizations representing the teaching profession deemed appropriate, establish standards for the recruitment of teachers, their training, professional development, and terms of service.
The Strategy for implementing national ICT in Education Policy in the Commonwealth of Dominica 2004-2009 aimed to create a teaching force in which all practitioners possess the critical requisite skills and competencies required to use ICT as a tool in enhancing the teaching/learning process and a cadre of ICT teacher specialists and foster greater professional development opportunities for all educators.
2.4. Cybersecurity and safety
2.4.1. Data privacy
No information was found regarding the existence of data protection legislation in Dominica.
2.4.2. Online abuse and cyberbullying
No information was found regarding the existence cybercrime legislation in Dominica.
3. Governance
3.1. Institutions in charge of technology in education and coordination mechanisms
The Information Technology (ICT) department of the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence was established to manage the process of implementation of ICT in the schools.
According to the Strategy for implementing national ICT in Education Policy in the Commonwealth of Dominica 2004-2009, the responsibility for the coordination and implementation of activities specific to ICT in education and for handling technical support issues lies with the ICT Desk at the Education Planning Unit of the Ministry of Education, Human Resource Planning, Vocational Training and National Excellence.
3.2. Roles of schools
No national legislation was found on the use of mobile devices in schools in Dominica. Individual schools may establish their own internal policies regarding the use of electronic devices in their institutions.
