Government has doled out $58,500 in further education awards to para-educators seeking to become fully qualified teachers.

The question was raised by the Opposition United Bermuda Party during parliamentary question time on Friday.

Education Minister Terry Lister, in written responses said that eight para-educators had benefited from Government educational grants since 1998.

Four received grants of $7,500 and $10,000 while another four received amounts ranging from $5,000 to $7,500.

And asked for the number of teachers trained "in the delivery of computer-assisted curricula subjects" since 1998, Mr. Lister said that 173 teachers at all levels of the system, had received such training as part of the BTEC programme through the University of Virginia, Stanford and Acadia Institute of Teaching and Technology.

Of the total, 127 senior level teachers and 15 middle level maths and science teachers received training through the University of Virginia, while seven computer science teachers received Stanford University training and 24 instructional technology teachers at the Primary level received training through Acadia.

"In addition schools have engaged in technology training for teachers and teachers have received on-going internal training on the use of specific software," he continued.

"Of note is the International Computer Driver's Licence, a fundamental computer skills programme which a number of teachers have taken. The course has been offered at the Berkeley Institute, the Bermuda College and community school. The international Computer Driver's Licence increases the skill level of teachers in the use and instruction of technology in the classroom."

Asked whether there was any intention that the planned Performing Arts School will involve students or teachers from Cuba, the Minister gave a one-word answer : "No".