Computer and Technical Education Project

Want to join me in making a difference? I'm raising money to benefit Cornwall College Old Boys Association Mid Atlantic Inc, and any donation will help make an impact. Thanks in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to me. 

Technical Education using AutoCAD

Why AutoCAD?

AutoCAD is a commercial computer-aided design (CAD) and drafting software application. AutoCAD is used in industry, by architects, project managers, engineers, graphic designers, city planners and other professionals. 

AutoCAD can create any 2D drawing and 3D model or construction that can be drawn by hand. The program also allows the user to group or layer objects, keep objects in a database for future use, and manipulate properties of objects, such as size, shape, and location.

AutoCAD has numerous applications in a wide range of fields. The program can be used for simple projects, such as graphs or presentations, or complex designs, like drawing up the architecture of a building. Some other practical applications may include:

Interior designs
Aeronautical designs
Logos
Fine art
Maps
Greeting cards
Engineering designs
Architectural designs

Providing the students of the institution with the tools to develop a proficiency in using this software, will increase their career options upon graduating from the school. It should be noted, that the 9th Grade students (ages 13 & 14) in the video were only in the second month of using the software at the time the footing was captured. Imagine the possibilities, if given access to more tools at an earlier stage. This means we could be providing the platform that could help to launch the career of the next:

Civil Engineer
Electrical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Manufacturing Engineer
Industrial Engineer
Environmental Engineer
Architect
Drafting and Engineering Technician
Design Technician


The History of Cornwall College

Cornwall College, an all-boy high school based in western-Jamaica, is the third oldest secondary-learning institution   of its kind in the region.

Founded in 1896, and guided by its motto, “Disce au Discede” - Learn or Leave - Cornwall College is one of the premier institutions for secondary education in the Caribbean.

Principal, Michael Ellis, who came to the school in 2018 brought with him a passion and intent to maintain the high standards and excellence that the noble institution is synonymous with. According to Mr. Ellis, “We want to return this noble institution to greatness and to reclaim lost pride and once again enjoy our original status as the premier high school for boys not just in Jamaica, but throughout the Caribbean.”

Operation Regain and Retain

A route to realizing this goal is “Operation Regain and Retain.” Implemented by Mr. Ellis, constitutes ten-guiding principles:

1) Setting clear goals, standards and expectations for learning
2) High-quality teaching and learning
3) High standards of behavior for all
4) A highly-structured classroom environment
5) Continuous formative assessment
6) Shared leadership
7) Engendering a safe, positive, and inclusive school climate
8) Utilizing traditional and non-traditional approaches to teaching and learning
9) Using data to inform decision-making
10) Celebrate success

Mr. Ellis identified both short-and-long term needs of the school and best practices to address these needs. One such, was the utilization of computers as a vital component of the Technical Drawing curriculum with the capability to run    the AutoCAD software.

The “old boys” (alumni) associations of the institution have adopted this project and others, in an effort to fulfill the goals stated above.

The AutoCAD project was divided into two phases:

AutoCAD Project Phase I

Goal:

Provide sufficient computers so students in the senior class already enrolled in the Technical Drawing program would have them available in time for the sitting of the external examinations (CXC - CSEC).

Phase I of the AutoCAD project was completed in May 2019, in time for the sitting of the external examinations (CXC - CSEC) with strong support from the school’s Alumni. The first delivery of computers totaled 47 computers, which were used to furnished the new air conditioned  AutoCAD laboratory. The instructor was provided with the teaching aid of a  Laptop and an overhead projector. The AutoCAD laboratory was secured with a new security door and the windows  with anti-burglary bars. 

AutoCAD Project Phase II

Goal:

Provide sufficient computers and classroom space to expand the program to facilitate all students enrolled in the program at all grade levels. Provide instructors with the teaching aid of Laptops and Overhead projectors.
This Includes:

90 computers
9 Laptops
     Equipped with:
     Windows 10 Home 64bit
     Processor: 3 GHZ Intel Core i3 or greater
     RAM 8 GB DDR3 SDRAM
     Hard Drive 500 GB
9 short-throw projectors
3 smart boards
Low profile modular desks
Air conditioning units
Security door

Additionally in support of the school's technology improvement efforts the Biology laboratory will be provided with:
1 Electronic microscope
1 laptop
1 short throw projector.

We are appealing to all! Help us to make this a reality, so that our young men and their instructors can maximize their   true potential.
Cornwall College is our history. Our heritage. Let’s help to not only maintain its high standards, but to also reach for higher heights and help us shape the lives of our young men who ultimately are the future.
Let’s be a part of something exciting.
Something noble.

Please review your employee benefits. Matching gift benefits can double or even triple the impact of your donation. If your employer offers matching gifts, please request a matching form which is typically available through your company’s human resources department.

For updates on the status of this project please visit:   CCOBAMA, Inc AutoCAD Update