Computeraid, Moodle and Worcester College of Technology

Peter Kilcoyne

Director of Information and Learning Technology

What’s Moodle all about?

• Community• Learning• Connectivity• Collaborating• Sharing• Supporting• Innovating• Open Source

Overview

• What is Computeraid?• Why is Moodle so useful

in Africa?• Working with Kenyatta

University 2007• Building an East African

Moodle Community 2008• Working with the

Zambian Open University and Schoolnet in 2009

What is Computeraid?

• Computeraid is a charity that recycles computers and other devices to developing countries

• Provided over 150 000 PCs to not for profit organisations in developing countries

• Provides training and support in the use of technology

• Work with Schools, Colleges, Universities, Hospitals etc

• www.computeraid.org

Why is Moodle so useful in Africa?

• Moodle is free • Can deliver distance

learning from Universities into rural areas

• Can enhance learning in Universities, Colleges and Schools

• Building communities that share resources and expertise

Kenyatta University November 2007

Kenyatta University

• Second largest public University in Kenya

• 24 000 Students

• Were using Blackboard with considerable cost but little success

• Plans to use Moodle for elearning to promote distance learning via learning centres around Kenya

Computeraids Support for KU

• Supply several hundred recycled PCs

• Funded total of 3 weeks of visits from e-learning staff from Worcester College of Technology and Open University to provide advice, training and speak at regional e-learning conference

• Funding visit from KU staff to UK institutions

Working with Senior Management to Develop an e-learning Strategy

Kenyatta University e-learning Champions

Moodle Training at Kenyatta University

Open Lecture on e-learning for Staff and Students at Kenyatta University

First East African Regional e-learning Conference November

2008

Moodle Training for Staff from East African Schools, Colleges and

Universities

2010 - Zambia

Zambia• Population of thirteen Million• Average household income

around £2 a day • Big need for education to

promote development and diversify economy

• Very little post 16 provision and only available in main cities

Zambian Open University

• Provides distance learning to 5 000 adult learners

• Plans to use Moodle to increase this to 50 000 over next 5 years

• Plan to use computeraid kit for own staff and learning centres around the country

Moodle Training and Conference

Schoolnet

• Developing ICT use in Schools

• Aim to put 5 PCs into every Primary and 10 PCs into every Secondary School

• Connectivity into every School

• Moodle as shared e-learning platform

Computeraid Support for e-learning in Zambia

• Funding two weeks visit from WCT staff to Zambia for advice, training and conference presentations

• Supporting reciprocal visit from Zambian Open University Staff to Worcester College and Open University

Key Challenges for e-learning in Africa

• Low levels of ICT skills and experience amongst most teachers and students

• Very few people have PCs or Internet at home

• Connectivity improving but mixed

Potential Benefits for e-learning in Africa

• Demand for Education far outstrips supply

• Cost of Education is prohibitive for many, especially in rural communities

• Big need for skills development amongst local populations to sustain development and diversify economies

• E-learning provides an effective way to increase educational opportunity

Emerging Model of e-learning in Africa

• Focus on OS Software (especially Moodle)

• Strong interest in Open Courseware /Open Educational Resources

• Learner access to ICT via local learning centres with online PCs and learning support staff

Can you help?

• Donate College PCs and kit to Computeraid if outside UK contact Computeraid and they will put you in touch with similar organisations closer to you

• Partner Colleges in developing Countries

• Encourage your own partner organisations to donate PCs

• Money Raising• Support OER/OCW/CC

Benefits to your Organisation

• Environment, e-waste (how much e-waste have you been responsible for? How much e-waste does your college make?)

• Security

• Development

• Diversity

• Marketing – traceability, pictures

Any Questions?