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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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.

6. The Partners
Funders
Global Partners
Local Partners

7. 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

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

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

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

11. 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

12. 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

13. Learning Gains: Philippines
Grade Grade 6

14. 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)

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

16. 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