Racquel Rose-Green is the charismatic teacher of Information Technology at CedarBridge Academy and she believes that the Bermuda Technology Education Collaborative, known as B.TEC, is a remarkable computer teaching tool.

When this innovative project was born in 1998 it was made possible through the generosity and joint funding of the XL Foundation, the Ministry of Education and Corporate and Community Partners.

Mrs. Rose-Green was earning her Postgraduate Certification in Education (Information Technology) at Middlesex University, London, from October 1998 through June, 1999 while B.TEC was established in Bermuda.

"The B.Tec computer system here is wonderful! It provides for a curriculum, which is current, and it is equivalent to industry standard. It is very interactive and has more graphics with its result driven programming.

"Students learn HTML the first year followed by Java script the second and mini Java the third year, " she explained.

B.TEC has helped students significantly in school by opening up their world more. Also it has made students' insights keener towards computer careers.

"B.TEC's curriculum is superb. Students feel they are capable of doing something that was once regarded impossible. The level of their present computer learning historically was almost like learning brain surgery in high school.

"If computers are their majors - B.TEC provides skills for corporate entry positions" she said.

Mrs. Rose-Green believes that B.TEC has made a significant impact on learning and that it is going to get better and better. It will be evident in the next two years when the technical savvy supersedes their predecessors.

"One of the best aspects about being a teacher is seeing the light go on in student minds. I open up new worlds for students and sometimes they do a 360 turn about and that thrills me!"

The best mentor the school as has with the B.TEC project, according to Mrs. Rose-Green, has been Caitlin Martin from the Stanford Team. The B.Tec courses have been specifically designed and there is nothing generic about the cirruculum.

She believes that Ms Martin is a very effective communicator and that she is extremely helpful as a monitor.

"The best thing about the B.TEC effort thus far is how it opens students' minds to a whole new world of possibilities.

"Now I am seeing more female programers emerging. To be a programmer you need logical thinking and problem solving skills.

When asked if she considers herself a role model Mrs. Rose-Green said:

"Yes, I hope they considerate me that way. I reach out to them as far as possible and I try to be upbeat and excited about teaching."

Prior to teaching in Bermuda, in September 1999, she was with the St. David and St. Katharine School, London where she taught information technology and business studies to students ages 11-18.

She assisted the head of the department in maintenance and operation of information technology. One of the focuses was developing schemes of work to improve pupils' competence.

She has been educated in both the Caribbean and the UK and has gained an international perspective on education as pupil and teacher.

"In this challenging environment I have found reward in the knowledge that even the most difficult children can be inspired to learn and believe in themselves.

"I believe that education should offer young people the experience of life in a community founded on adequate preparation and I strive to enable all pupils to discover and achieve their full academic potential," she concluded.