Dr Drew Whitworth, a researcher from the Manchester Institute of Education, will be returning to St Helena to continue the research project ‘Mapping the Information Landscapes of St Helena’. Partnered with Gareth Drabble, the project aims to assess the impact of high-speed internet on the island following the introduction of the Equiano cable.
The research, funded by the St Helena Research Institute, focuses on key social objectives, including improved connectivity for households and businesses, reduced overseas referrals for health treatments, and enabling individuals with special needs to reach their potential.
Speaking about the project, Dr Whitworth expressed his intentions for the upcoming visit, stating, “My third trip will give me the chance to follow-up with some past interviewees and repeat the mapping sessions to find out about developments since internet packages were upgraded in October last year.”
The project involves not only interviews but also concept mapping sessions with various groups such as school children, teachers, business owners, and health workers. These sessions aim to understand how individuals perceive and utilize online resources in the evolving high-speed environment.
For those interested in learning more about the project or getting involved, Gareth Drabble can be contacted via mobile phone at 62388 or by email at [email protected], while Dr Drew Whitworth can be reached at [email protected].
Additionally, a concept map, facilitated through a ‘Ketso’ kit, is being utilized for the project, allowing visual representation of the connections between different ideas and themes.
Photos:
– Dr Drew Whitworth presenting at Rosie’s Taste 4 Life during his last visit in January 2023 (Photo credit: St Helena Chevening Alumni)
– Ketso Session in progress showing central trunk, branches, and leaves (Photo credit: Gareth Drabble)
