Educators urged to embrace drones

The education ministry is encouraging educators to participate in the Drones in the Classroom (DITC) Educator Professional Development Programme being offered by the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech).

The programme, which involves collaboration with Canada-based Volatus Aerospace Incorporated is designed to strengthen science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education through the integration of drone technology. In a bulletin, the ministry said the programme has the potential to transform the delivery of mathematics, science, geography, and engineering by creating more engaging, hands-on learning experiences for students. The ministry noted that drone technology brings academic concepts to life while fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration skills.

The programme equips teachers with practical strategies and ready-to-use lesson plans, enabling immediate classroom application. Delivered by international experts from Volatus Aerospace, the course provides participants with technical confidence and instructional resources to safely and effectively integrate drones into learning environments. Educators will gain hands-on flight training, classroom simulation experience, and access to a library of drone-based STEM lesson plans and activities. The DITC programme is tailored for teachers, school administrators, curriculum developers, education technology coordinators, and youth programme leaders.

No prior drone experience is required. Participants will learn to operate small educational drones, implement safety protocols, troubleshoot common issues, and design collaborative student activities that reinforce curriculum outcomes. By incorporating drones into classroom instruction, educators can transform lessons in trigonometry, measurement, physics, and spatial reasoning into active outdoor learning experiences. Students may calculate altitude and speed, conduct mapping exercises, or engage in team-based drone challenges that strengthen both academic and interpersonal skills.

The ministry said that through this programme, the medium of drone technology becomes a powerful tool to inspire curiosity, creativity, and deeper exploration across Jamaica's classrooms.