22 February 1-2:30pm GMT
Around the world, governments, private sector and civil society are developing digital platforms for learning. In doing so, two main trends have emerged: either a platform is developed from scratch (which can be costly) or an off-the-shelf solution that doesn’t quite meet contextual needs is used.
But what if there was a middle-way?
In this workshop, we’ll share insights from EdTech Hub’s research on using ‘building blocks’ – modular, open-source tools – to develop education platforms in Sub-Saharan Africa. You’ll learn how to evaluate if building blocks are right for you, and the critical questions to ask along the way.
This workshop is ideal for donors, decision-makers in government, software developers or consultants involved in the development of a virtual learning environment (VLE) or education management information system (EMIS).
Register here before 18 February 2022 and secure your spot!
What you’ll learn:
We’ll begin with a welcome by Asyia Kazmi, Global Education Policy Lead at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, then move to key insights from EdTech Hub’s research on building blocks from EdTech Hub co-authors Taskeen Adam and Yomna El-Serafy. Questions will include:
- What are building blocks and how can education systems potentially benefit from them?
- How can different stakeholders work together to design, implement and maintain digital education platforms using building blocks?
- What considerations need to be taken into account to determine a country’s readiness to use digital platform building blocks effectively?
Next, Mike Trucano, The World Bank’s Senior Education & Technology Policy Specialist, will share his reflections on building blocks and how the concept can be utilised further in the World Bank’s work. Shankar Maruwada, CEO and Co-founder of EkStep Foundation, will also share practical examples of how building blocks have been used in India.
You’ll also get a chance to brainstorm with other attendees in break-out groups about how building blocks could be utilised in your context, before we conclude with some useful take-aways and tips.
#edtechbuildingblocks