The T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) proudly announced the successful completion of its Hybrid Telecommunications Upgrade Project, which culminated in a ceremonial handover on Friday, 17 January 2024.
This significant initiative was made possible through funding provided by the National Telecommunications Regulatory Commission (NTRC) through its Universal Service Fund (USF) Programme.
The $2.7 million project includes the upgrade of 20 classrooms at the college’s Tanteen and St Patrick campuses to create a blended learning environment whereby lecturers can teach courses online via the college’s online and distance learning platform. This Hybrid Telecommunications Upgrade project will enable the college to increase its reach by targeting students who may be unable to attend physical classes due to constraints such as location, cost to commute, disabilities etc.
The selected classrooms were outfitted with smartboards, cameras to live stream lectures and other equipment. These devices will transform the classes into e-learning and distance-learning classrooms where students can access lectures online. In addition, access devices were provided to the library to provide support to the distance learning classrooms and the Tanteen campus was provided with additional wireless access points, which will aid in providing wider internet coverage across the campus and provide the necessary support infrastructure to better enhance distance and online learning.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Vincent Robert, Chairman of the NTRC said, “These classrooms are not just spaces. They are catalysts for change. They embody innovation, resilience and opportunity, empowering educators to teach creatively and students to learn dynamically. They are a foundation for building a society equipped with the skills, knowledge and confidence to navigate the complexities of the digital era.”
“By integrating these technologies, we are providing all learners with the tools to succeed regardless of their circumstances,” said Andrew Abraham, Principal of TAMCC. “This expansion ensures that education at TAMCC remains inclusive and accessible to all who seek it. Our needs for such a technological transformation have been further emphasised by the challenges we face such as limited physical space for labs and classrooms coupled with the devastating impacts of natural disasters such as Hurricane Beryl and flooding which have shown us the importance of adaptability.”
As TAMCC continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of education, these upgraded smart classrooms will play a crucial role in fostering a culture of innovation and excellence while enriching the educational experience for students and faculty alike.
TAMCC
