ICT: no longer an optional extraA case study in Ethiopia

Background: ...an optional extra?

• Calculator• Digital watch

• CLC• Research tools• Learning

resources*• IWB• YouTube• Facebook• Instant messaging• Mobile phone• Texting• MP3• Email

Background: how central is ICT?

An appetite for technology…

Melkamu Hailu, “Software should be available not just at university, but also students at secondary school should have the opportunity to use it.”

Mekelle University, Ethiopia

Albert P’Rayan, “There is a big appetite for integrating technology into teaching. Teachers as well as students are eager for access to ICT materials.”

Kigali Institute of Science and Technology, Rwanda

Project location

Project partners

the two universities

the funding body

Clarity

Project programs

Grammar

Exam preparationStudy skills

Reading

Project stages

Scheduling

Selection of programs

Installation

Initial use

External training

Integration into mainstream teaching

Monitoring and follow-up

Phase 2: migration online

Project leaders: Cathy & Tsegay

Challenges 1

Challenges: FUNDING

“... quality educational content is transmitted via satellite and shown on flat-panel plasma screens in remote rural classrooms in Ethiopia – some situated three days’ travel from the nearest town.”

Cisco Systems case study, 2006

http://www.cisco.com/web/about/ac79/docs/wp/Ethiopia_SS_0320a.pdf

Challenges 2

Challenges: IT SKILLS

“Generally, lack of computer skills is a big problem as it makes the users slower to learn about and use the software.”

Solution:Classes in computer skills

Challenges 3

Challenges: LACK OF FOCUS

Solution:“There is one Clarity training afternoon each week where the centre is manned by one or two staff members who give advice on appropriate programs and levels for individual users.”

Challenges 4

Challenges: VIRUSES

Solution:

1. Using operating systems integrity programs, eg DeepFreeze

2. Migrating online

Benefits: general

Enables differentiation

Boosts motivation

Is renewable

Benefits: language

Listening

Grammar

Exam preparation

Benefits: exam preparation

Conclusion

“This is very important for all teachers. In a world where everything is getting dependent on technology, the teaching/learning process is also changing very fast as we become more and more exposed to these interactive technologies.”