-by David Clarke
The Guyana Online Academy of Learning, GOAL, is expanding its Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, (STEM) offerings as it works to meet the demands of Guyana’s evolving workforce.
Among the newest additions is training in electric vehicle maintenance, one of several “new-age” programmes designed to prepare students for emerging industries and technologies. Director of GOAL, Professor Jacob Opadeyi says advances in technology are also transforming how some courses are delivered, particularly in the medical field.
“We have a post grad program in medicine that people are now doing, their master’s degree in orthopedics, aging illness, and emergency medicine. The method being used by these UK universities, we have three UK Universities who are doing that, they are using case studies and Virtual Reality,” he said.
He says GOAL is also expanding access to STEM education, particularly in hinterland communities where students are pursuing practical technical courses, including motorcycle repair and maintenance.
“The intention here is that these persons would be able to use these knowledge gained immediately in the work place,” he explained.
Professor Opadeyi says the programme is focused on ensuring that students acquire skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace while supporting Guyana’s long-term development needs.