Question 1 (opens 12 Nov.)

such a tough question you have there, but I think, technology does cater to the needs of every possible individual, just as the first advertisement I saw on TV (if i remember it right) about cellular phone was catered for the deaf-mutes. now, it's not only them using celphones, but almost everyone out there, especially, in the Philippines!

what I'm trying to say is that, technology can and should be catered to the needs of its intended user to enable him/her to benefit and take advantage of the technology in whatever field of work he/she is in. 

Like what SANSU said, imparting knowledge or sharing education is a process.  There is always a time for the beginners to recognize, appreciate, and learn the value of information, knowledge, and teaching.  There is also a time for harvesting and producing such investment of education.  Thus, I think, it is primarily the responsibility of the ICT educators to create suitable and effective methodologies that would be applicable to the so-called "techno peasant".  But then who are the "techno peasant"? As what previously being asked "what is techno peasant"?

Can you explain what ypou call a techno peasant???

Hi Mr. Rondot:

I do agree with Dolores in her definition (the post below) of "techno peasant" and in relating it to the education perspective.  However, anyone could be a "techno peasant" for as long as the opportunity of learning modern technologies is still faraway.  Hence, "techno peasant" is not only the product producers or the farmers but it could be addressed to those who are unfamiliar with the knowledge and use of any of the high and advanced technology.

If what you mean by techno peasant is that farmers being not so well-versed with technology moreso, techno illiterate by virtue of lack of opportunity that is not formally being educated, then, I should say all the more ICT could help facilitate learning on the part of the farmers. I am actually thinking from the point of view of a teacher. Let's take the case of pre-schoolers. When they first stepped inside the four corners of the classrooms they could be likened to an empty vessels waiting to be filled. The creative teachers then start pouring in learnings done through colorful, meaningful, spirited activities then wala, the eager pre-schoolers learn! The point that I'm trying to drive here is that, multimedia presentations facilitated through the use of technology can now present complicated concepts in the simplest yet very interesting manner. If the little kids get to enjoy colorful and animated presentations and learn in the process, I strongly believe the techno peasants would definitely learn! (I just hope I'm making sense here.)

Thank you Dolores,

Thanks for bringing up the fact that diverse ICT technology exists and can be tuned to the diverse needs. For example, low cost videos for introducing/building awareness on new production practices or e.g., farmer testimonials on use of new things. Farmer interest groups and the likes have been provided with an access to low cost videos - these have generated interest and discussion, particularly if such discussion has been held in the presence of a resource person. DigitalGreen has good examples of this.

I heard of this DigitalGreen from a colleague from India as a non-profit org that uses video as a medium in disseminating agricultural practices. Does DigitalGreen provide open source database of videos? Thanks.

-Arnel

Hi Arnel,

Thanks for the question. DigitalGreen has several vidoes in Youtube but at the moment I do not know whether all the videos are accessible. I'll find out.

Hi Arnel,

I received a response from DigitalGreen to my query.

Yes, all of our videos are available online for free. Its easier to
search/browse through the videos via our website
(http://videos.digitalgreen.org/) but they're also on our YouTube
channel (http://youtube.com/digitalgreenorg).

Hope this helps.

Riikka

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