This archive report was first published on 10 May 2020.
With the Covid-19 pandemic forcing students to stay at home, the importance of internet-based technology in education has never been more apparent. In Kenya, where access to the internet is still limited, mobile phones have become a vital lifeline for students.
Twenty years ago, accessing the internet was a luxury in many countries, including Kenya. However, with the advent of smartphones, mobile learning has become increasingly popular, especially in schools. Today, new research has confirmed that mobile learning can make education more accessible and available, even in the most cash-strapped school districts.
According to a report by analytics firm Newzoo, there are 10 million smartphone users in Kenya, out of a population of approximately 52 million. This growth in mobile phone usage has been exponential, with one in five Kenyans now having access to the internet.
Research by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) has also highlighted the importance of personalized learning structures, which can be achieved through technology and online platforms. ISTE data shows that students learn at different rates and have varying knowledge base levels, making it essential to support them as individuals.
One such platform that has been making waves in Kenya is MwalimuPLUS, an e-learning and tutoring platform that allows teachers and parents to use their smartphones to access educational resources. The platform has been tested in at least 14 schools in Kenya, with impressive results, including learning gains of up to 97% in one case.
As the sector continues to grow, concerns about equity are being addressed through partnerships with like-minded players. For example, MwalimuPLUS is looking to partner with mobile or laptop companies to make devices more affordable or free for children.
With technology advancing rapidly, it is only a matter of time before more homesteads and schools are covered by rural electrification projects, making it easier for parents to access platforms like MwalimuPLUS without the need for internet access.
As Nyandarua County's Education executive and former Director of the Centre of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education in Africa, the writer is well-placed to comment on the importance of mobile phones in education.
