Improving the Quality of Education Through the Innovative Use of Mobile Technology September 16, 2009

What is Bridgeit? Access to digital video content in classrooms ‘on-demand’ via cellular technology Teacher training & ongoing support Learner-centered lesson plans & teacher’s guides

Bridgeit Projects Philippines Tanzania “text2teach” Began in 2003 Currently in 3rd phase Funded by: UNDP (Phase 1) USAID (Phase 2) Nokia, local government & local NGOs (Phase 3) “Elimu kwa Teknolojia” Began in 2007 Currently in 1st phase Funded by USAID Replication of text2teach

Project Goal To significantly increase educational quality & student achievement in primary schools in math, science, English and life skills through the innovative use of cellular & digital technology

Key Objectives To launch Bridgeit and integrate it into the education system in order to reach the greatest number of children and teachers possible; To improve teacher performance, as demonstrated by changes in the quality of interaction and teaching in the classroom; and To increase learning gains among upper primary students, with a particular emphasis on girls.

The Partners Funders Global Partners Local Partners

Technical Architecture Mobile/Satellite Hybrid Mobile 2.5G/3G (BridgeIT 2.0) Standard handset SMS ordering Satellite download Set-top box/DVR storage TV 3G phone (8gb memory) NED (Nokia Education Delivery) software 2.5G/3G download Phone storage TV

Mobile/Satellite Hybrid Solution Reception Dish Satellite Network Operator Set-top Box Service Provider Cell Phone TV GSM Network

Mobile Solution Satellite Reception Dish Satellite Network Operator Set-top Box Mobile Service Provider Cell Phone TV 2.5EDGE/ 3G Network

The Bridgeit Classroom Participatory lesson plans Video integration Enhancement of existing curricula Teacher training & support

Project Impact to Date Philippines (7 years) Tanzania (1 year) 290 schools 1,476 primary school teachers 976,000 rural and urban students 150 schools 1,544 primary school teachers 40,402 rural and urban students

Key Results Increased attendance in Bridgeit schools Improved understanding of and interest in math & science More frequent and improved use of participatory methodologies Greater student participation in Bridgeit classrooms, especially among girls Local ownership of the program Improved teacher and student motivation

Learning Gains: Philippines Grade 5 Grade 6

Future of Projects Philippines Tanzania 263 additional schools by 2010 Local ownership and management Transition to mobile-only solution Capacity building and training at local and national levels Transfer to the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training (MoEVT)

Challenges Complexity of startup operations (consensus building, infrastructure assessment, roles/responsibilities, etc.) Cost of initial investment Evolving technology Project management Transitioning of ownership

Opportunities Other uses for Bridgeit classrooms in-service teacher training community education local internet hotspots, etc. Decrease in price of smart phones—possibility of scale Ongoing dissemination of new content