For primary schools i(n French or English speaking countries) without books, libraries, internet and/or electricity – this “Digital Library” provides high-quality, localized, interactive content that supports the school’s existing curriculum. Unlike other for-profit organizations or those that focus on curriculum, older students or 1:1 computer-based instruction, this has the advantage of leveraging the best multi-media materials, books and websites that can be effectively managed by teachers and students in enhancing children’s education at an early age.
Using low-cost commonly available hardware (solar panel, battery pack, Raspberry Pi server, wifi enabled devices, projector), and high-quality curated content, this solution provides a school with the library resources it needs to enable students to improve and learn new skills in the digital age and progress more successfully in their education.
Content
This website and content was created and being piloted in 4 primary schools in Senegal. Each school has their own library that is shared across all classes in the schools. Teachers guide the students in accessing the materials via tablets or video projector.
Common Questions
How does this work without the internet?
This solution uses a low-power Raspberry Pi computer running in the classroom. It has built-in wifi and the ability to run a website, delivering webpages and media such as videos and audio. This leverages the work of several organizations that have made their content and websites available “offline” for use in a standalone mode.
How does this work with the existing Curriculum?
This augments the curriculum already in use and acts like a “library” – providing reading books, research materials, math and science tutorials and more.
Isn’t this already being done? How is this different?
Similar solutions are currently being used in Africa, Latin America, and the Pacific Islands. This includes West Africa countries such as Senegal, however, these are mostly focused on English speaking countries, at the high-school level in a classroom setting, with a 1:1 ratio of tablets to students. This solution focuses on primary school, and balances cost and effectiveness by having approximately 20 tablets per school. Due to the library’s small (physical) size and wifi access, it can be easily shared throughout the school, in other classrooms, a library room, etc. depending on each school’s unique needs.