MERGING TECHNOLOGY WITH AGRICULTURE FOR ENHANCED LEARNING

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 07, 2023: PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO- In December 2022, the Digicel Foundation engaged media personnel to submit applications for a TT$20,000 Media Transformation Grant. Agri Journalist and Creator of Tech4Agri 360, Keron Bascombe was one of five who received the grant. He used it to purchase and distribute 90 VR headsets with a three month subscription of Tech4Agri content to the following beneficiaries: Tunapuna Boys RC, Tunapuna Girls, St. David’s, St Mary’s Children’s Home, St. Benedict’s- Curepe, Fatima Primary School and The Helping Children Grow Foundation.

Tech4Agri is an immersive media series that provides an experience for students to learn about Agriculture and other interested fields using virtual reality and 360 content. Keron Bascombe shared, “Using media, journalism and communication to support learning provides a unique learning experience especially when paired with technology.” He added, “At Tech4Agri, this is a milestone accomplishment and as digital stewards we are intervening for the sake of youth who need exposure to new age technology.”

Digicel Foundation Operations Manager, Cindyann Currency was also present during the distribution of devices. She said, “Partnering with the Tech4Agri has been quite a unique experience.” She explained that seeing the explosive expressions of the children while interacting with the headset and the questions that followed in the lesson is exactly the kind of enthusiasm that learning should foster.

The Digicel Foundation invested TT$100,000 in the Media Transformation Grant.  The grant initiative was done in commemoration of the Foundation’s 10 year anniversary.  Over 70 Journalists and Social Media influencers responded to the call for application to implement a social change initiative in a community of their choice.