BACKGROUND
Many ICT initiatives have been introduced in developing countries in Africa, but very few of them have had a significant effect or are sustainable once the initial funding ends. The introduction of computers in classrooms or homes for educational use is a novel idea, however establishing computer labs does not directly translate in a positive impact on student learning. However specific applications of ICTs can positively impact student knowledge, skills and influence learning attitudes. In addition it can help close gender gaps and helps students with special needs.
Our platform aims to solve a specific problem by helping parents improve test scores of their children through accessing our website or mobile apps (Android & iPhone). The self-paced nature of the questions help learners eliminate fear of attempting tests by doing so in a private environment with no pressure to fail.
Skooldesk.com is an innovative eLearning platform for schools in Uganda. The content on the platform follows the Uganda Syllabus. We plan to expand to other countries in the near future after a successful deployment and test run in Uganda, bearing in mind that 3 of the 4 main subjects at primary level (English, Math and Science) are universal worldwide.
OVERVIEW OF THE PROJECT
Skooldesk.com is an innovative e learning platform for young learners (Primary school children) that helps them improve test scores. The platform provides quality test questions in the four main subjects taught at primary level i.e. English, Math, Science and Social Studies (SST). Users of the platform are able to select tests from a plethora of questions by selecting a subject and class level. Upon completion of the test, the results are displayed to the user indicating the correct/wrong answers.
The platform has a database of over 100,000 quality questions for students in the primary level of education. This database also includes the national examination past papers. The platform has an analytics engine that helps Parents and Teachers monitor the performance of the learners. This can include but is not limited to, attempted test, pass rate, strength at subject level e.g. Math, Science or Topic level, e.g. Algebra, Arithmetic (Math), Writing, Grammar, Vocabulary (English).
Skooldesk.com aims to improve test scores for young learners in Uganda, by using interactive questions such as Drag and Drop, Matching to make learning fun and interactive. The platform also employs the traditional question types such as multiple choice, fill in the blank, short answer, True/False.
The platform is developed using the open source Drupal Content Management System, and versions of the web app are available on both android and iphone environments. We expect to enroll at least 5,000 users in the first year of operation.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Parents rely on end of term reports to monitor their students’ performance. These reports are issued thrice a year. To make matters worse the reports are not detailed in their very nature, making it hard to seek the right remedies for an underperforming student.
Our platform provides detailed reports for each student based on an aggregation of attempted test. The results can be accessed at subject level e.g. English, Math, Science or Social Studies, and at topic level e.g. English (Grammar, Writing, Comprehension, Graphic Stimulus), Math (Algebra, Geometry, Arithmetic).
This information is useful for parents and teachers and it can be used to help focus the necessary attention to the specific problem areas a student is facing in a subject or a specific topic.
MONITORING & EVALUATION
The M & E process will document and measure baseline inputs to the program, such as the amount and kind of ICT intervention used, teacher training levels, and pedagogical practices that are associated with the program. The baseline data will be compared with data collected after a period of 1 year. This data will be analyzed every 4 months.
Input Indicators:
Student Impact (Higher Literacy, better grades, reduced gender gaps), Teacher Training, Classroom pedagogy.
Outcome Indicators:
Student knowledge of key subjects, student attitudes, student skills, Systemic outcomes (enrollment rates, pass rates, dropout rates), Teacher outcomes.
Data Collection Types to be employed:
Questionnaires
Face to Face Interviews
Focus groups
Activity logs on the platform
Milestones:
Number of users on the platform (usage statistics)
Inclusion of minorities & children with disabilities
Stakeholder buy in
Improved test scores
Description of Key Team Members
Cavin Mugarura – Technical Lead
Cavin is a Software Developer with vast experience developing Enterprise wide Information Systems. He has previously worked at the World Bank, United Nations on Open Data initiatives and The US Federal Government where he was the Technical Lead for a large healthcare web application. He has also taught at Several Universities as a Professor. He has a US patent on simulated testing.
Richard Nyanzi – Software Developer
Richard is a Senior Software Engineer who has previously worked in the Banking Industry. He specializes in developing back end systems that are both robust and scalable. His vast skills bring a much needed impetus and creativity in solving complex problems brings a unique contribution to our team
Callistus Nsenga – Curriculum Specialist
Callistus has taught Mathematics and Science subjects for over 20 years. An experienced educator, he oversees a team of curriculum and content personnel to ensure that all our content meet the highest possible standards to give our users a rich learning experience.
Praise Kahimakazi – Multi Media Manager
Praise has worked with several advertising agencies as a Multi media specialist. Her unique skill sets allow us to employ and incorporate various tools to make our platform fun and enjoyable to young learners
Eunice Musiime – Company Secretary
Eunice has worked with several Non Profits and advocacy groups. She is currently the Chairperson of the Federation of Women Lawyers in Uganda. Her legal brain and great attention to details help us to steer clear of legal battles.