[kictanet] 6, 000 primary schools picked for free laptop project

Fri May 31 18:16:58 EAT 2013

Hi Edith.
Thanks for the link, I will check it out. I am looking for action now.

In messages below some colleagues are mentioning that we need to have a
stakeholders workshop. I offer to host such a workshop. Edith will you buy
the tea and Mandazi ;-)

Who are the stakeholders?

Let us get moving. Have a great weekend.

Regards.

John Matogo

On Fri, May 31, 2013 at 3:18 PM, Edith Adera <eadera at idrc.ca> wrote:

>  John,****
>
> ** **
>
> I may add, your point on avoiding “pilotosis” is actually one of the key
> lessons highlighted in the book.****
>
> ** **
>
> Edith****
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* kictanet [mailto:kictanet-bounces+eadera=
> idrc.ca at lists.kictanet.or.ke] *On Behalf Of *Edith Adera
> *Sent:* May 31, 2013 3:13 PM
> *To:* Edith Adera
> *Cc:* KICTAnet - Media Editors Forum; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
> *Subject:* Re: [kictanet] 6, 000 primary schools picked for free laptop
> project****
>
> ** **
>
> John,****
>
> ** **
>
> Project in Uganda – you can get more details from the national curriculum
> development centre (NCDC, Uganda) – project CurriculumNet.****
>
> ** **
>
> There’re lots of lessons to learn e.g. a book we published summarizing
> lessons on schoolnetworking from 9 African countries entitled “Networking
> Institutions of Learning - SchoolNet” may be instructive. You can get a
> copy at http://web.idrc.ca/openebooks/008-x/, while covering the
> early-to-mid 2000s, it demonstrates the early lessons of pioneers in school
> networking in Africa. More work has been done by others e.g. ROCARE who
> have examined more African countries at all levels of education.****
>
> ** **
>
> Our entry point must be to enhance educational outcomes! So both content
> and skill is important – the content should largely follow the Kenyan
> educational curriculum and objectives (so it’s not just about picking any
> content though you can supplement). You cannot leave out the teachers,
> unfortunately, it has to be both teachers and students.****
>
> ** **
>
> Last point, it’s important, perhaps, most important to learn from failures!
> ****
>
> ** **
>
> I rest my case.****
>
> ** **
>
> Edith****
>
> ** **
>
> ** **
>
> ** **
>
> *From:* John Matogo [mailto:jmatogo at strathmore.edu]
> *Sent:* May 31, 2013 2:35 PM
> *To:* Edith Adera
> *Cc:* KICTAnet - Media Editors Forum; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
> *Subject:* Re: [kictanet] 6, 000 primary schools picked for free laptop
> project****
>
> ** **
>
> Dear Edith.****
>
> Thanks for your email. Just some quick reaction to your email.****
>
> Kindly share more information about the project you run in Uganda. I also
> learning that Rwanda have a had a massive roll out of over 200k laptops in
> the past couple of years. Yes there are a number of failures just to
> mention a few Akasha 1 in India, Schoolnet project in Namibia...****
>
> ** **
>
> My only reservation with your proposal is let us not focus on the teacher
> but on the children. There is already so much content available, let us not
> reinvent. Also we need to have in mind the goals of the education at the
> various stages for the children. This will help us focus on whether we
> concentrate on content (knowledge) or on skills. ****
>
> ** **
>
> Another point of caution is let us not get paralyzed by Pilotosis.. :-)***
> *
>
> ** **
>
> Best.****
>
> ** **
>
> JM****
>
> On Fri, May 31, 2013 at 1:21 PM, Edith Adera <eadera at idrc.ca> wrote:****
>
> +1****
>
>  ****
>
> *From:* Muchiri Nyaggah [mailto:muchiri at semacraft.com]
> *Sent:* May 31, 2013 1:07 PM
> *To:* Edith Adera
> *Cc:* KICTAnet - Media Editors Forum; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
> *Subject:* RE: [kictanet] 6, 000 primary schools picked for free laptop
> project****
>
>  ****
>
> True. They need to allow stakeholders to interogate the design of it
> before it goes too far...at the very least in the spirit of public
> participation enshrined in the constitution. ****
>
> Muchiri****
>
> *************************
> sent from my mobile device.****
>
> On May 31, 2013 12:56 PM, "Edith Adera" <eadera at idrc.ca> wrote:
> >
> > Muchiri,
> >
> >
> >
> > You MUST get “pilots” right to achieve scale and sustainability. Pilots
> don’t mean that you do things “jua kali”
> >
> >
> >
> > Edith
> >
> >
> >
> > From: Muchiri Nyaggah [mailto:muchiri at semacraft.com]
> > Sent: May 31, 2013 12:45 PM
> >
> > To: Edith Adera
> > Cc: KICTAnet - Media Editors Forum; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] 6, 000 primary schools picked for free laptop
> project
> >
> >
> >
> > I was under the impresion that this phase is a pilot in preparation for
> a more widescale roll-out later in the year or early next.
> >
> > That notwithstanding it would be great to hear what they are seeking to
> achieve with this and how it will inform the project's future.
> >
> > Muchiri
> >
> > *************************
> > sent from my mobile device.
> >
> > On May 31, 2013 11:31 AM, "Edith Adera" <eadera at idrc.ca> wrote:
> >
> > Dear John,
> >
> >
> >
> > Interesting perspectives.
> >
> >
> >
> > I differ with your assertion that “There are many massive failures when
> deliberate efforts are made to incorporate the technology into the
> curriculum and/or modify the curriculum to incorporate the technology” – I
> funded a “technology integration program into the curriculum” in Uganda for
> 5 years (primary and secondary school levels) – that’s actually the CORE of
> what creates the transformation!
> >
> >
> >
> > The trick is to work with the curriculum development agency (in our case
> KIE – not sure what they have done to-date?); work with subject matter
> specialists - teachers; instructional designers and digital developers and
> follow the legal/statutory curriculum approval processes to approve the
> “digital content” based on the national curriculum – this allows scaling up
> easily. It is NOT about typing the text books into digital format, but
> enriching them and making them multimedia to enhance student comprehension.
> >
> >
> >
> > Computers/laptops for the sake of laptops is not that transformative.
> You must have the right digital educational content to enhance teaching,
> learning and performance. Our scientific evidence showed improved
> performance of 30-50%!! In addition to many other benefits.
> >
> >
> >
> > Lastly, the entire model must be right, end-to-end (including safe
> eWaste disposal).
> >
> >
> >
> > Edith
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > From: kictanet [mailto:kictanet-bounces+eadera=
> idrc.ca at lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of John Matogo
> > Sent: May 31, 2013 12:54 AM
> > To: Edith Adera
> > Cc: KICTAnet - Media Editors Forum; KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
> > Subject: Re: [kictanet] 6, 000 primary schools picked for free laptop
> project
> >
> >
> >
> > Hi Walu et al.
> >
> >
> >
> > Interesting reading your perspectives on the laptop for class one
> pupils. I am attending the eLearning Africa 2013 conference and talking to
> a number of experts who have research on this topic and soliciting their
> thoughts on how to roll out the project, I am also following discussions on
> experiences from other developing countries on similar initiatives. Some of
> the things that I am realizing are the following:
> >
> >
> >
> > 1. Not every child needs to get a personal device. A number of devices
> could be provided to every school, possibly a lab type of environment or
> resource centre. Simple access/exposure to the technology to the students
> will have transformational results.
> >
> >
> >
> > 2. The choice of device(s) is also very important. A laptop or tablet
> choice has merits and demerits. More so a tablet maybe useful in the early
> stages class 1-3 but higher than this a device with a keyboard is
> necessary. Also electricity requirements of the devices could be a
> consideration. Readers are also useful but for a different purpose.
> >
> >
> >
> > 3. Minimal supervision of the students is an important catalyst.
> Therefore we may not have to focus so much on the teacher training aspect.
> If we do we will get stuck. The availability of the devices should not
> cause a planned disruption of the status quo (teaching methods of teachers)
> let it happen. The children will learn to use the technology and apply it
> to their learning when they see the opportunity presents itself. Similarly
> teachers will make use of the technology when they opportunity presents
> itself and when they become comfortable with the technology. There are many
> massive failures when deliberate efforts are made to incorporate the
> technology into the curriculum and/or modify the curriculum to incorporate
> the technology.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > I think it is a great thing that we have these discussions, I agree with
> the president, we must implement this promise. It is a big undertaking, but
> the results will transform our country.
> >
> >
> >
> > I encourage you to see this short video
> http://www.ted.com/talks/sugata_mitra_the_child_driven_education.html that
> may give you food for thought.
> >
> >
> >
> > Regards.
> >
> >
> >
> > John Matogo
> >
> > On Thu, May 30, 2013 at 6:35 PM, Walubengo J <jwalu at yahoo.com> wrote:
> >
> > From: Edith Adera <eadera at idrc.ca> wrote
> > >This list had a fairly extended discussion on this program some months
> ago – were these views consolidated and shared with the >Ministry? Grace?
> Walu? I think it should be done as a start.
> >
> > Edith I summarized most of this lists arguments on a public blog for any
> technocrat to read @
> >
> >
> http://www.nation.co.ke/blogs/A-sober-take-on-laptops-for-class-one-pupils/-/634/1851296/-/view/asBlogPost/-/lxh3tpz/-/index.html
> >
> > But perhaps they are too busy to read blogs.  Perhaps the ICT Cabinet
> Sec. might translate some of our divergent view into a formal government
> brief and share with his counterpart at the Ministry of education.
> Thereafter we except to hear an improved approach on this matter.
> >
> > Personally I have been abit skeptical over the whole project but willing
> to make the best out of it in terms of ideas.  But if we deliberately?
> start off on a wrong note one begins to wonder if the objective has already
> been hijacked by folks who want  to "expense" some billions rather than
> "invest" the same.
> >
> >
> >
> > walu.
> >
> >
> >
> > ________________________________
> >
> > From: Edith Adera <eadera at idrc.ca>
> > To: Walubengo J <jwalu at yahoo.com>
> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions <kictanet at lists.kictanet.or.ke>;
> KICTAnet - Media Editors Forum <mediaeditors at lists.kictanet.or.ke>
> > Sent: Thursday, May 30, 2013 5:17 PM
> > Subject: RE: [kictanet] 6,000 primary schools picked for free laptop
> project
> >
> >
> >
> > Walu,
> >
> >
> >
> > In addition to clear “marginalization”, I wonder to what extent there
> has been wide consultation to engage key stakeholders including those in
> the ICT industry who have rolled out computers in schools (e.g. computer
> for schools Kenya - CFSK; cyber schools for curriculum content etc etc) and
> to learn from the very many schoolnet programs in Kenya and Africa. For
> example, IDRC funded schoolnets in Africa (including in Kenya) for over 10
> years, these lessons are well documented. E.g. an external evaluation of
> Computer’s for schools Kenya program of providing computers to schools is
> quite instructive and worth reading at
> http://idl-bnc.idrc.ca/dspace/bitstream/10625/43675/1/130237.pdf . A “how
> to do guide” was also developed, documenting the entire cycle from sourcing
> the computers to eWaste management with lessons learned incorporated in the
> guide book – I’m sure copies can be gladly availed by CFSK.
> >
> >
> >
> > Others have consolidated lessons about what works and what doesn’t
> across Africa (e.g. ROCARE network of researchers studying computer
> programs in schools and the impacts in Africa). We should learn not to
> reinvent, but draw on evidence!
> >
> >
> >
> > We don’t seem interested in getting the model right, but “ticking the
> political box” saying that “laptops have been delivered by 1st January
> 2014! Looking at the entire cycle from procurement, teacher/student
> training, curriculum content provision, ongoing technical maintenance to
> eWaste disposal et etc is very critical!
> >
> >
> >
> > This list had a fairly extended discussion on this program some months
> ago – were these views consolidated and shared with the Ministry? Grace?
> Walu? I think it should be done as a start.
> >
> >
> >
> > The Cabinet secretary should also be advised to hold a stakeholder’s
> forum to discuss experience and lessons so we have sustainable
> interventions!
> >
> >
> >
> > Edith
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > From: kictanet [mailto:kictanet-bounces+eadera=
> idrc.ca at lists.kictanet.or.ke] On Behalf Of Walubengo J
> > Sent: May 30, 2013 11:46 AM
> > To: Edith Adera
> > Cc: KICTAnet ICT Policy Discussions
> > Subject: [kictanet] 6,000 primary schools picked for free laptop project
> >
> >
> >
> > Listers,
> >
> >
> >
> > This project seems to have just kicked off on the wrong tangent...was
> wondering how they would select WHICH primary schools would get the laptops
> and was shocked to read:
> >
> >
> >
> > >>
> >
> >
> >
> > He (Kaimenyi, Cabinet Sec. for Education)  said the availability of
> electricity and nearness to the main grid was the basis used in deciding
> the schools selection criteria.
> >
> > In every three schools with electricity connection, the ministry has
> selected one school close to the mains grid and another one that is far
> away from the grid....
> >
> >
> >
> > >> adopted from
> http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000084770&story_title=6-000-primary-schools-picked-for-free-laptop-project&pageNo=2
> >
> >
> >
> > Never mind that I thought these laptops would "solar-powered".  But now
> it looks like if you are lucky to live near an electricity pole, your luck
> doubles as you get a bonus benefit  of a laptop. If you happen to leave
> very far from one (think Pokot, Turkana, Tana River, Wajir, etc) your tough
> luck just got tougher.  I cant think of a better way of "extending" rather
> than "bridging" the digital divide..
> >
> >
> >
> > walu.
> >
> > nb: Mutoro:-sounds like you guys are going to have a very busy year in
> courts :-)
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> >
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> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --
> > Regards,
> >
> > John Matogo
> > Manager
> > Incubation Centre, @iBizAfrica
> > Strathmore University
> > P.O. Box 59857-00200 Nairobi, KENYA
> > Tel: +254 070 303 4280 (direct line)
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> >
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> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
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> >
> > _______________________________________________
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> >
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> >
> > The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform
> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and
> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT
> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
> >
> > KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors
> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth,
> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do
> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.****
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform
> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and
> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT
> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
>
> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors
> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth,
> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do
> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.****
>
>
>
> ****
>
> ** **
>
> --
> Regards,
>
> John Matogo
> Manager
> Incubation Centre, @iBizAfrica
> Strathmore University
> P.O. Box 59857-00200 Nairobi, KENYA
> Tel: +254 070 303 4280 (direct line)
> Personal Mobile:+254 722 813 533****
>
> Twitter: @jmatogo****
>
> LinkedIn: http://tinyurl.com/avcn7qu
> Web: www.strathmore.edu and http://www.ibizafrica.co.ke/****
>
> ** **
>
> ** **
>
> *Note: *All emails sent from Strathmore University are subject to
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> The Kenya ICT Action Network (KICTANet) is a multi-stakeholder platform
> for people and institutions interested and involved in ICT policy and
> regulation. The network aims to act as a catalyst for reform in the ICT
> sector in support of the national aim of ICT enabled growth and development.
>
> KICTANetiquette : Adhere to the same standards of acceptable behaviors
> online that you follow in real life: respect people's times and bandwidth,
> share knowledge, don't flame or abuse or personalize, respect privacy, do
> not spam, do not market your wares or qualifications.
>

-- 
Regards,

John Matogo
Manager
Incubation Centre, @iBizAfrica
Strathmore University
P.O. Box 59857-00200 Nairobi, KENYA
Tel: +254 070 303 4280 (direct line)
Personal Mobile:+254 722 813 533
Twitter: @jmatogo
LinkedIn: http://tinyurl.com/avcn7qu
Web: www.strathmore.edu and http://www.ibizafrica.co.ke/

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