TECHNOLOGY IN THE CLASSROOM TAKES LEARNING TO A HIGHER LEVEL
Getting electricity to classrooms and turning on the lights was just the first step . After that , 64 community-based schools in these remote mountain villages received computer tablets preloaded with three months ’ worth of lessons , games , and videos . An additional 15 schools received USB sticks loaded with information and televisions to project the materials .
“ In this town , technology was never used in school before ,” said Seema , a teacher at a girls ’ primary school in Gilgit , Pakistan . “ Due to this , students received a lot of benefits and were interested in the lecture because of the videos , pictures , and much more .”
New lessons are loaded onto the tablets and USB sticks every few months , making it easy for schools in places without internet connectivity to access up-to-date materials . An online game and quiz app designed to help children learn was also piloted in these villages . In December 2021 , 150 students started testing the app . In the future , CAI hopes to give more students access to the program if it performs well .
These tools enable students to explore new subjects and deepen their understanding of difficult concepts . At the same time , they increase engagement and make learning fun . Visual learning aids like videos can help students better understand and retain ideas . Researchers have found that people don ’ t remember things they hear nearly as well as things they see .
Getting comfortable with technology while they ’ re young will go a long way towards helping these children connect with the wider world , apply to university , find professional jobs , and adapt to this ever-changing digital world .
TEACHERS ARE THE CUSTODIANS OF TECHNOLOGY
Teachers in these tiny mountain villages are responsible for guiding students on their path towards technological literacy . But before these e-learning programs were introduced by CAI , many of them had never used a computer or tablet . Some had never even owned a phone . They relied on travelers to take handwritten letters to friends and relatives in nearby towns .
To make them comfortable with their new tools , CAI organized a training where teachers were walked through everything they needed to know step by step — from turning on a tablet or television to opening a browser to playing videos or audio recordings .
After the training , WhatsApp groups were set up so the teachers could communicate with one another and ask questions of support staff . Even though this type of connectivity was new to these educators , they made great use of their new resources . The WhatsApp groups have been especially effective , allowing teachers to reach out to one another to problem solve , exchange ideas , or share words of encouragement .
CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR TEACHERS
For teachers with more technological know-how , CAI offered an online teacher training program . Introduced several years ago , it was designed to help teachers in remote villages continue their education from home . They ’ re able to learn at their own pace by watching videos and completing reading assignments . Graduates receive a certificate from an accredited university , and credits from the course can be applied towards a university degree .
The program was introduced at an opportune time . Soon after its launch , the COVID-19 pandemic emerged , making it impossible to hold in-person courses . The online program was invaluable in allowing teachers to continue their studies without interruption . The first wave of 30 teachers have successfully completed this program and were awarded certificates .
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFORMATION IS ON THE HORIZON
While northern Pakistan still can ’ t be described as a technology hub , slowly but surely , change is happening . For the first time , teachers and students are being exposed to technology , and that technology is opening the door to the larger world outside of their isolated mountain villages .
“ One year , two years , or even three years of technology education is not enough to change a life as much as we want ,” said Wajeeha Ahmad , assistant manager at CAI ’ s Pakistani partner organization . “ But the initial idea — how tech can be used in school — has begun . Now teachers know that they can use books and technology . And students are absorbing content differently when they see it on screen . Baby steps and sticking with it over the long term — that is how change will happen .” u
Photo : Sa ’ adia Khan
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