NEW OPPORTUNITIES TO INCREASE ACCESS TO EDUCATION
Mobile learning
CAI and its in-country partner are working on a pilot program to introduce “ mobile learning facilities ” in remote communities that don ’ t have local schools or where schools remain closed due to COVID . The program involves converting a minivan into a learning facility / library that will be managed by a qualified teacher or educator . In addition to books , the van will be equipped with educational materials for primary and elementary students , as well as a multimedia system for enhanced audio-visual experiences . Every few weeks , the van will rotate through a preselected set of communities in remote areas of GB in which a significant number of children are not in school . Children in these areas will be allowed to borrow books and return them the next time the van comes through , as well as access additional educational materials and support . Based on the success of the program , CAI will support additional mobile learning facilities in late 2020 and 2021 .
Innovations in e-learning
In order to help GB students take advantage of the e-learning movement that ’ s revolutionizing education in other parts of the world , CAI and its partners are piloting a program to bring modern technology and expanded online educational content and resources to schools in GB , including CAI-supported informal ( home-based ), schools in remote locations .
While it may not be possible to bring 5G coverage to this isolated pocket of the world , CAI and its partners are working on solutions to enrich and improve students ’ learning . For example , by placing Wi-Fi routers close to classrooms , schools will be able to create “ virtual education hotspots ,” making it possible to stream educational programs to classrooms . As a result , educational videos and texts will be accessible within a certain range without the need for internet connectivity . These classrooms will also have audio-visual equipment , including a PC tablet that teachers can use to download online educational resources , and an AV device ( screen ) to project that content to students .
CAI and its partner will select 13 schools for this project , based on the number of out-of-school children in the area and the schools ’ geographic location . Depending on the results of the pilot , the viability of the initiative will be assessed to determine whether it can be expanded to other parts of GB .
The benefits of the online learning repository and new communication tools that this project will bring to students and teachers go far beyond the current COVID-19 crisis . Students will experience improved educational outcomes , and they will become acquainted with a far broader set of skills and knowledge . Our hope is that these innovative e-learning projects will introduce them to a “ connected ” world , which will improve the quality of their education and open the door to knowledge and opportunities they never dreamed possible .
We are so excited to see the results ! a
1 New guidelines provide roadmap for safe reopening of schools ( 2020 , April 29 ). UNICEF . https :// www . unicef . org / press-releases / newguidelines-provide-roadmap-safe-reopening-schools
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