August 2002

As part of the national drive towards e-governance, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development has effected a massive roll-out of computers with the latest Microsoft XP technology.

INFOSERV Institute of Technology came out as the winner of the bid process for the IDB-funded project and completed the extensive training of 400 Local Government personnel. The programme of study covered the use of office productivity aids (the Microsoft Office Suite) and the new Microsoft XP Operating System. Training was conducted by highly-trained tutors who met the exacting standards required by the bid conditions. There were 8 training sites across Jamaica and the process was supported by the use of laptop computers.

The effectiveness of the programme was greatly assisted by the use of specially customized courseware that was prepared by a Certified Microsoft Courseware Developer. Each of the 400 participants received the comprehensive course materials on their personal CD ROMs. With the ready access that they have to computers in all Local Government offices, they will continue to develop their computing skills with the aid of the CD ROMs.

The course of study was carefully dovetailed to prepare participants for further study and a number of them have already indicated their commitment to further development of their skills. The Diploma in Computer Technology and Associate Degree in Computing and Management are ideal options for further study.