By Candice Zhang
Another study abroad opportunity is in the works as of November 13, when a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between George Brown College (GBC) and Erdiston’s Teachers Training College in Barbados was signed. The virtual and physical opportunity is available for students enrolled in the Early Childhood Education (ECE) program. Students can also gain research and data analytics experience with the Teacher’s College.
GBC’s School of Early Childhood has already partnered with institutions in China and Jamaica. After observing the results of previous global partnerships, a new collaboration was implemented due to the potential for internationalization opportunities.
“Our partnership with Jamaica was our starting point,” said Ian Wigglesworth, the associate vice president of academics.
“We are beginning to see the strategic relationship grow, and I think the counsellor general office in Barbados is very open to these educational opportunities.”
Although the curriculum is in the works, Wigglesworth says that the program will place an emphasis on data analytics and visual intelligence. The goal of the program is to make students more comfortable with the technological changes in their fields.
“We know that Artificial intelligence and data analytics will be integrated in the course content to prepare educators for the future,” said Wigglesworth. “Teachers and educators do collect a lot of data, but really the challenge is how to interpret [the numbers].”
In addition to learning more about data analytics, students will also be immersed in a unique cultural experience. Although the program will mainly be offered as a virtual opportunity through the pandemic, Wigglesworth says that students can still engage in cross-border collaboration.
“COVID-19 will definitely make things a bit more complicated,” said Wigglesworth. “But in reality, our hope would be for the pandemic to clear and for people to be vaccinated, in order for internationalization opportunities to start again.”
Despite the pandemic, some students in the ECE program are continuing to look forward to global opportunities. Lauryn Hudson, a second-year ECE student, says that she will participate when the right time arrives.
“If it wasn’t for COVID-19 and if I had the opportunity, I would go,” said Hudson.
In the meantime, Wigglesworth says that the college is doing whatever it takes to prepare for international opportunities when the pandemic dissipates and find some solutions to the challenges occurring in current times.
“When the students have a college facilitated placement in another country, that is one of the best work experiences you can ever get… it is amazing to see the world in a safe way when you are supported by your institution.”
