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Computing, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica who were asked to comment on the
following:

(a) the value of the syllabus for preparing students for further education;

(b) the value of the syllabus for providing skills necessary for life;

(c) the value of the syllabus for preparing students for the world of work; and

(d) any other aspect of the syllabus.

21. Mr Halzen Smith, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer and Information Sciences,
Northern Caribbean University, Jamaica, Dr Wessel Thomas, Principal Lecturer, University of
Technology, Jamaica and Dr Colin Depradine, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of
the West Indies, Cave Hill, Barbados responded (see Appendix IIb).

22. According to Mr Smith, who provided a detailed review, the syllabus gave a very
comprehensive coverage of the field of Information Technology as it effectively covered all aspects of
the Information Technology landscape and linked hardware with software and how this can be used
in a practical context. He shared that the General and Specific Objectives outlined in the syllabus were
appropriate. Moreover, he felt that the teachers and learners who interact with the syllabus will be
well guided as the content was clearly articulated. Additionally, he felt that the Suggested Teaching
and Learning Activities were useful to engage learners in creative and effective ways. Mr Smith
recommended that the syllabus include Virtual Reality Systems since the users of the syllabus are
steeped in the use of computer games. He also suggested that the syllabus could be enriched with a
discussion on the Impact of Social Media and the Legal Issues involved in the misuse of Computing
Technology. He also recommended that the use of Visual Basic for Application be revisited or that
another more generic programing language be added to the syllabus. Mr Smith further recommended
that the syllabus should discuss contemporary career paths in Information Technology. The Panel
considered Mr Smith’s recommendations and decided that Virtual Reality Systems is a concept that is
better suited for CAPE® Information Technology. The Panel, also in response to Mr Smith’s comments,
agreed that the syllabus should examine the impact of information and communications technology
on law enforcement in a broad way as well as expand the roles of various personnel in computer-
related professions.

23. Dr Depradine, Dean, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of the West Indies, Cave
Hill, stated that the syllabus continued to meet its original purpose. He suggested that the syllabus
could be enriched with the inclusion of topics like Conversational User Interfaces, the software behind
applications such as Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa; and, a definition of Bring Your Own Device
(BYOD). The Panel, in response to Dr Depradine’s suggestions, reviewed the list of user interfaces
covered by the syllabus and decided that the different categories of interfaces relevant to the level of
study were appropriately represented. Consequently, the Panel did not include Conversational User
Interface as a new addition.

24. Dr Thomas, Principal Lecturer, University of Technology, Jamaica, stated that the syllabus was
valuable in exposing students to fundamental concepts of Information Technology and providing the
necessary practical and theoretical exposure for the promotion of creativity, innovation and
entrepreneurship. He shared that the syllabus was a good response to the call to prepare students for
the future.

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