AgTech Journey: Triumphs and Trials in Agribusiness Education
- Aug 26, 2023
- 4 min read
Welcome back, friends and education enthusiasts! Previously, I explored ways in which AgTech is shaping the agribusiness and how this can be leveraged in the delivery of VET Cert II Agricultural in schools. In this final post, I will unpack challenges my school faces in the implementation of new technologies and the creative solutions embraced to address these.
Money Talks! Let's get real -– implementing technology in education has a HUGE price tag. The equipment, software, and training can strain even the healthiest budgets. And in the realm of agribusiness education, where resources are already allocated for various needs, finding the funds for tech enhancements can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. As a school well- known in the Kimberly and Pilbara regions of WA and who employs known and respected trainers from the agricultural industries, it’s important that allocation of funds for the provision of AgTech is prioritised to ensure Ag Certs delivered are reflective of current trends and that graduates complete their schooling agribusiness ready. But how do you make the people that hold the purse strings sit up and take notice? A challenge indeed.
Picture this: you've got a brilliant piece of technology ready to roll, but the infrastructure to support it is... well, lacking. In rural areas, where many agricultural institutions are situated, reliable high-speed internet and advanced technology setups are scarce. Add heritage listed buildings and you can see where I’m going with this right? Yep, an expensive and a timely challenge.
Upskilling staff and introducing new technology is like introducing a new language – and not everyone is fluent right away. Some more comfortable with a lead-rope than with a drone. Upskilling our team to confidently use and teach technology is a challenge that demands money, time, resources, and patience.
I have always seen a challenge as just that… a challenge! And these challenges are being met head-on by some very passionate and creative staff in my school.
Creativity is boundless when you’re passionate about something and while funds are tight there are ways to get what we need albeit slowly! Staff are always on the lookout for opportunities to collaborate with other schools and local businesses. We have tapped on the shoulders of local farmers who are using AgTech and getting our students out to visit, watching its use, and asking questions. We visit as many agricultural shows as we can, getting our students out asking questions and participating in demonstrations of AgTech facilitated by stallholders whilst staff discuss further opportunities for onsite visits with the technology. We are in constant discussions with universities who are always happy to send graduates and students to visit us to demonstrate new technologies to our students and I must admit the use of drones is always a very big hit especially when teamed with working dogs! In addition, I seek out available grants partnerships that can yield financial support. Is this time consuming? Absolutely! Is it worthwhile? YES! It opens the doors for possibility and exploration for our students and that is always going to be worth it.
Infrastructure is a little trickier especially when dealing with heritage listed buildings… so yep updating these requires patience a lot of paperwork and money and time… lots of time! However, the use of online resources is readily available and can be pre-downloaded which assists in bridging the gap when a reliable internet connection is like looking for a needle in a haystack. I have also never had so many staff willing to bring in and use their own technology with students and this is wonderful. It provides students opportunities to develop their skills and learn how to operate and drive new machinery, use drones to map an area of the farm, check livestock and water levels and improve their handling of cattle and sheep and horsemanship as they get to use and operate new AgTech devices during their school day.
Upskilling of staff can be costly and time heavy; however, investing in staff development cannot be discounted and should be prioritised. In my school we have leveraged the use of our tech-savvy staff who have developed workshops and run these in our meeting times. Additionally, staff have completed online self-paced training that I have managed to find for minimal to no cost, which has improved both understanding of new EdTech available in their learning areas but also improved their use of technology simultaneously.
Collaboration and sharing opportunities are also vitally important and by encouraging staff to discuss and share challenges, opportunities, and successes with colleagues in other schools we are cultivating a school culture that is open to cross-pollination of ideas for students.
In conclusion, our school journey through the realm of agribusiness education and technology is as much about overcoming challenges as it is about embracing innovation. The road isn't always smooth, but with determination, adaptability, and a touch of creativity, we're steering the course towards a future where our students are not just prepared for agribusiness but are also at the forefront of its technological evolution.
Thank you for joining me on this learning journey. Remember that the agricultural landscape is ever-changing, and technology is our compass guiding us towards success. So, keep learning, keep innovating, and let's continue shaping the future of education and AgTech in schools together. Until next time, be open to opportunities and keep learning wonderful people!
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