improving the quality of education through the innovative use of mobile technology

Improving the Quality of Education Through the

Innovative Use of Mobile Technology

September 16, 2009

What is Bridgeit?

1. Access to digital video content in classrooms ‘on-demand’ via cellular technology

2. Teacher training & ongoing support

3. Learner-centered lesson plans & teacher’s guides

Bridgeit Projects

Philippines• “text2teach”• Began in 2003• Currently in 3rd phase• Funded by:

– Nokia (Phase 1)– USAID (Phase 2)– Nokia, local government

& local NGOs (Phase 3)

Tanzania• “Elimu kwa

Teknolojia”• Began in 2007• Currently in 1st phase• Funded by USAID• Replication of

text2teach

Project GoalTo significantly increase educational quality & student achievement in

primary schools in math, science, English and life skills through the innovative use

of cellular & digital technology

Key Objectives

1. To launch Bridgeit and integrate it into the education system in order to reach the greatest number of children and teachers possible;

2. To improve teacher performance, as demonstrated by changes in the quality of interaction and teaching in the classroom; and

3. To increase learning gains among upper primary students, with a particular emphasis on girls.

The PartnersFunder

Global Partners

Local Partners

Technical Architecture

Mobile/Satellite Hybrid

• Standard handset• SMS ordering• Satellite download• Set-top box/DVR

storage• TV

Mobile 2.5G/3G (BridgeIT 2.0)

• 3G phone (8gb memory)• NED (Nokia Education

Delivery) software• 2.5G/3G download• Phone storage• TV

Satellite

GSM Network

Satellite Network Operator

ServiceProvider

Set-top Box

Mobile/Satellite Hybrid Solution

Reception Dish

TV

Cell Phone

Satellite

2.5EDGE/3G

Network

Satellite Network Operator

Mobile ServiceProvider

Set-top Box

Mobile Solution

Reception Dish

TV

Cell Phone

The Bridgeit Classroom

• Participatory lesson plans

• Video integration • Enhancement of

existing curricula• Teacher training &

support

Project Impact to Date

Philippines (7 years)• 290 schools• 1,476 primary school

teachers• 976,000 rural and

urban students

Tanzania (1 year)• 150 schools• 1,544 primary school

teachers • 40,402 rural and

urban students

Key Results

• Increased attendance in Bridgeit schools• Improved understanding of and interest

in math & science• More frequent and improved use of

participatory methodologies• Greater student participation in Bridgeit

classrooms, especially among girls• Local ownership of the program• Improved teacher and student

motivation

Learning Gains: Philippines

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

English

Math

Science

English

Math

Science

9.47

8.87

10.38

9.94

8.07

13.38

2.69

5.94

2.63

6.34

6.56

3.29

Non-Bridge IT Bridge IT

G

rade 5

G

rade

6

Challenges

• Complexity of startup operations (consensus building, infrastructure assessment, roles/responsibilities, etc.)

• Cost of initial investment • Evolving technology• Project management• Transitioning of ownership

Opportunities

• Other uses for Bridgeit classrooms– in-service teacher training– community education – local internet hotspots, etc.

• Decrease in price of smart phones—possibility of scale

• Ongoing dissemination of new content

Future of Projects

Philippines• 263 additional schools

by 2010• Local ownership and

management • Transition to mobile-

only solution

Tanzania• Capacity building and

training at local and national levels

• Transfer to the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT)

Questions?

Kate PlaceInternational Youth

Foundation

k.place@iyfnet.org