Jamaica Integrates AI in Education

Education, Skills, Youth and Information Minister, Dr. Dana Morris Dixon., addressing the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) Education Conference 2025 (JIS Photo)

Introduction of AI Tools in Schools

KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC—The Jamaican government is testing artificial intelligence (AI) tools in schools to assist teachers with marking and administrative tasks.

“We have AI technology that we’re testing in schools now, to have AI mark the papers so that the teachers can spend more time doing what is important, which is interacting with our students,” said Education, Skills, Youth and Information Minister Dr. Dana Morris Dixon.

Personalized Learning with AI

Addressing the Jamaica Teachers’ Association (JTA) Education Conference 2025, Dr. Morris Dixon said there are plans to launch the Jamaica Learning Assistant, an AI-powered tool designed to personalize learning according to students’ styles, whether they prefer stories, humor, quizzes, or dialogue.

She said that the technology is not a replacement for teachers but rather a support tool that enhances their ability to deliver lessons more effectively.

“So, after you’ve imparted the lesson, they can go, practice, and find out things that they never understood in the class. They can explore it some more.

“That is the future of education we’re working towards, one where AI helps to personalize and enrich learning for every child,” The Education Minister added.

Investment in Digital Infrastructure

She also announced that Jamaica will open its first state-of-the-art AI lab later this year, providing a space for students and teachers to develop school technology solutions.

She called for collaboration with the JTA to integrate educators into the broader AI strategy. The government intends to distribute more than 15,000 laptops and tablets to students and 600 smart boards for schools.

Additionally, she said approximately 25,000 vouchers had been issued to teachers to subsidize the purchase of personal laptops.

“As educators and policymakers, we must meet our students where they are in this digital landscape and guide them to use technology, not just for entertainment but for learning and personal growth,” the Education Minister said.

Collaboration and Transformation

JTA President Dr. Mark Smith emphasized the transformative potential of AI in education, noting that AI is the most significant “technological breakthrough in human history” and urging educators to lead the digital transformation.

He also calls for greater collaboration among the JTA, the Ministry of Education, and the private sector to advance digital learning initiatives in schools across Jamaica.

“As educators, we have to have a keen understanding and appreciation for what this new paradigm represents because it will not only be impacting what we do in the classroom, it will impact businesses, economies, communities, politics, and life as we know it,” Dr. Smith said.

The three-day JTA conference is being held under the theme ‘Innovations in Education Technology: The Imperative of Change.’

Conclusion

The integration of AI in Jamaica’s education system marks a significant step towards a more personalized and effective learning experience for students. With the introduction of AI tools, teachers will be able to focus more on interacting with students, and students will have access to a more tailored learning experience. The government’s investment in digital infrastructure and collaboration with the JTA and private sector will be crucial in driving this transformation forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of introducing AI tools in Jamaican schools?

The purpose of introducing AI tools in Jamaican schools is to assist teachers with marking and administrative tasks, allowing them to focus more on interacting with students.

What is the Jamaica Learning Assistant?

The Jamaica Learning Assistant is an AI-powered tool designed to personalize learning according to students’ styles, whether they prefer stories, humor, quizzes, or dialogue.

How will the government support the integration of AI in education?

The government will distribute more than 15,000 laptops and tablets to students and 600 smart boards for schools, and has issued approximately 25,000 vouchers to teachers to subsidize the purchase of personal laptops.