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Creating Value Through ICT4D Partnerships. Distance Learning from the field using Angilix Gocourse Kenya. Peter Mureithi Program Manager-Monitoring & Evaluation CRS Kenya - Dadaab March 29, 2012 ICT4D Conference Kigali, Rwanda. Project Background. Background .
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Creating Value Through ICT4D Partnerships Distance Learning from the field using AngilixGocourse Kenya Peter Mureithi Program Manager-Monitoring & Evaluation CRS Kenya - Dadaab March 29, 2012 ICT4D Conference Kigali, Rwanda
Project Background Background • CRS Project in agricultural sector • Aims to provide disease tolerant cassava planting material to 1.15 million farming households • 55 partners six countries (IITA, FERA, NARS, local partners) • 210 partner staffs
ICT Solution • AngilixGocourse learning management system • FA able to view digital course on a computer on or offline • Submit assignments, read discussions and take exams • View grades for courses taken on the Grades page
Hardware / software / vendor • Mini laptop on windows XP service pack 3 from intel • English and french versions of windows XP. • Gocourse player with online offline mode from Angilix lab inc. • Macfeeanivirus 8.5i • Microsoft. Net 3.5 Framework • Adobe flash player 9 • Team viewer • Frontline SMS system
Technical support and staff • Occasional internet connection • Requires power to access course materials • Initial setup is labor intensive • Routine basic trouble shooting required • Partnership offers diversity and scale important in learning lessons
Key Challenges • High start up costs (i.e. equipment, staffing, training, etc) • Large number of first time computer users • Limited enabling infrastructure ie Internet, power, technical support • Technical challenges with hardware and software (viruses, compatibility, operating system failure, etc), • Non reading culture among some partner staffs • Scale and diverse operating environment of the project, • High turnover of CRS and partner staff
Lessons learned • First time computer users can become successful! • Ensure that the technology is fully functional before rollout • Assess and address infrastructural requirements early on (reliable power and internet) • Develop and implement training systems at the onset of projects, and empower users • All partner staff require repeated training in order to master a subject. ICT can help minimize these repetitions • Improve courses by increasing use of context appropriate audio-visual • A wide variety of useful complimentary programs are available eg Team viewer and frontline SMS system
Sustainability • Lack of ICT capacity and support infrastructure are key challenges to sustainability • To increase access and sustainability consider use of open source software • Go courses migrated into html based platform • Partners have requested hard copies of Go courses