[IAEP] Fwd: OLE Update - Rwanda TeacherMate Report

[Pablo Flores]

Sharing Open Learning Exchange (ole.org) information about an experience
with TeacherMate.

Regards,
Pablo Flores
activitycentral.com



---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Peter Slate <peter.slate at ole.org>
Date: Mon, Dec 12, 2011 at 9:31 PM
Subject: OLE Update - Rwanda TeacherMate Report
To: Pablo Flores <pflores at activitycentral.com>


Hello Pablo:

It's been a while -- I hope you're doing well!

I'm writing to share with you the exciting results of a study we conducted
in Rwanda using the "TeacherMate" device. The results of the report
(attached) are remarkable. We believe this is the first time that the
introduction of a technology-supported learning system has shown
substantial improvements in basic literacy in a developing country.

The Open Learning Exchange in Rwanda conducted a pilot study of the
handheld TeacherMate Differentiated Learning System with 620 primary school
students in Kigali. The project included setting up control groups and
administering pre and post tests to students using the USAID/RTI standardized
English literacy test for Rwanda. Students using the TeacherMate had nearly
*triple* the increases in literacy test scores compared with two different
control groups (an average 36% increase in scores compared with 14% in each
of the control groups). This is all the more impressive for several
reasons. First, the TeacherMate students had only 40 minutes per week
instead of the recommended 100 minutes. In addition, the teachers had no
previous experience with ICT and they used the system for less than the
full school year.

The use of the TeacherMate involves a total systems approach, not just one
piece of the challenge. The Rwanda project included content aligned with
the curriculum, high levels of interaction, frequent performance feedback
for students, a Classroom Management System that supported customizing the
learning process of each student. and the hardware that enabled this to
happen. At a cost of  approximately $50 for each TeacherMate device, we
have estimated the amortized cost of the program at less than $5 per
student per year. This begins to be an effective approach that can scale
quickly.

As a result of this success, OLE is working with Innovations for Learning (
innovationsforlearning.org) to expand the TeacherMate program in Africa. We
are hoping to introduce pilots in Uganda and Ghana in addition to
continuing in Rwanda in 2012. This second stage pilot will involve
using iPod Touch devices for students and teachers in a school with some
access to the Internet. This will enable us to use the Classroom Management
System to track student progress wirelessly and to support the remote
coaching of teachers throughout the school year. We will also be exploring
the effects of increased home use. We are looking for financial support for
this next stage and welcome any recommendations.

I am attaching the full report to this email for your review and comments.
Please feel free to circulate the report to those you believe will find it
of interest.

Thanks as always for your support.

Best regards,

Peter Slate
Director, Program Development and Operations

Open Learning Exchange, Inc.
One Broadway / Cambridge, MA 02142 - USA
Office: +1 617.401.2305 / Mobile: +1 857.200.3125
www.ole.org
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