Distance Learning from the field using

Angilix Gocourse

KenyaPeter Mureithi

Program Manager-Monitoring & Evaluation

CRS Kenya - Dadaab

March 29, 2012

ICT4D Conference

Kigali, Rwanda

Creating Value Through ICT4D Partnerships

Project Background

Background

• CRS Project in agricultural sector

• Aims to provide disease tolerant cassava planting material to 1.15 million farming households

• 55 partners six countries (IITA, FERA, NARS, local partners)

• 210 partner staffs

ICT Solution

• Angilix Gocourse learning management system

• FA able to view digital course on a computer on or offline

• Submit assignments, read discussions and take exams

• View grades for courses taken on the Grades page

Hardware / software / vendor

• Mini laptop on windows XP service pack 3 from intel

• English and french versions of windows XP.

• Gocourse player with online offline mode from Angilix lab inc.

• Macfee anivirus 8.5i• Microsoft. Net 3.5 Framework• Adobe flash player 9• Team viewer• Frontline SMS system

Training Platform

User Platforms

Technical support and staff

• Occasional internet connection • Requires power to access course

materials• Initial setup is labor intensive• Routine basic trouble shooting required• Partnership offers diversity and scale

important in learning lessons

Key Challenges

1. High start up costs (i.e. equipment, staffing, training, etc)

2. Large number of first time computer users

3. Limited enabling infrastructure ie Internet, power, technical support

4. Technical challenges with hardware and software (viruses, compatibility, operating system failure, etc),

5. Non reading culture among some partner staffs

6. Scale and diverse operating environment of the project,

7. High turnover of CRS and partner staff

Lessons learned

1. First time computer users can become successful!

2. Ensure that the technology is fully functional before rollout

3. Assess and address infrastructural requirements early on (reliable power and internet)

4. Develop and implement training systems at the onset of projects, and empower users

5. All partner staff require repeated training in order to master a subject. ICT can help minimize these repetitions

6. Improve courses by increasing use of context appropriate audio-visual

7. A wide variety of useful complimentary programs are available eg Team viewer and frontline SMS system

Sustainability

• Lack of ICT capacity and support infrastructure are key challenges to sustainability

• To increase access and sustainability consider use of open source software

• Go courses migrated into html based platform

• Partners have requested hard copies of Go courses

Thank You!