TechLink inspiring more innovative technology use

A NEW education initiative is seeking to change how Internet users across the Caribbean take advantage of technology.

TechLink, an initiative of the BrightPath Foundation, in partnership with Columbus Communications, kicked off in Grenada with the goal of inspiring more innovative use of technology in the region.

Participants at the inaugural TechLink event in Grenada came away energised with new ideas about how technology can be used in their local communities and businesses.

From students wanting to apply new tech tips and tricks, to building their own gadgets using a low-cost, credit card sized computer called the Raspberry Pi, youngsters at the youth-focused segment of the programme left calling for more. Several young participants expressed an interest in learning more about making digital music and creating eBooks and mobile applications.

Small business operators

Small business operators also benefited from the initiative. At a special half-day SmallBiz TechLink session, presenters shared practical insights into how technology can be applied to increasing personal productivity, business efficiency, and improving customer service using social media.

One business owner in the service sector said, "I realise I need to adjust some things which I started, such as launching a Facebook page for my business, but not investing properly in sustaining it. I've come away with a useful checklist of tips that I can immediately apply to my business and to my personal tech usage."

Another attendee, a graphic artist, said he learned some new things about announcing and searching for online business which he can apply directly to his work.

Bevil Wooding, architect of the TechLink initiative and executive director of BrightPath Foundation said, "Increasing the Caribbean's digital footprint depends on how well the region builds the technical capacity to create digital content."

Adding, "But it also depends on how well we understand what is at stake. In an age where the Internet is playing such an important role in social and economic development, we have to make the shift from merely being consumers of someone else's technology to being producers of technology and digital content that is relevant to our needs and our aspirations as Caribbean people."

Wooding said, "We need more Caribbean content online whether its images, text, music, mobile apps or Caribbean products; the Internet is for everyone. It's time to start a revolution in Caribbean digital content creation!"