The devices have created “a modern, inclusive and engaging learning environment that supports learners’ academic and personal growth”. (Joseph, Catalyst at Ameyaw Spot)

Introduction

EduSpots’ Digitalisation Project was designed to address critical gaps in digital access, monitoring, and learning across our network of 50 community-led education hubs (Spots) in underserved areas. With the generous support of the Fonthill Foundation and Wanderlust Ghana, we have made significant strides in achieving the following aims:

• Advancing monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems through the development and roll-out of the EduSpots App which enables us to have in real time a snapshot of network-wide activities including Spots’ opening hours, number of learners visiting the Spots and hours spent by learners, number of active Catalysts within the network and time volunteered by each Catalyst at their Spot, books borrowed, etc.
• Increasing access to education programmes by equipping Spots with digital devices and training Catalysts to use them effectively.
• Enhancing digital skills among staff, Catalysts, and learners.
• Expanding access to relevant learning materials, including textbooks and books by local authors, through digital platforms.

Key Activities 

1. Digital Device Distribution 

On 17th April 2024, EduSpots held the Digital Launch Event and Training – see film here. The launch event marked the distribution of 64 brand-new Lenovo M10 tablets (64GB, 4GB RAM, featuring EduSpots’ branded covers) to 32 communities, with each receiving 2 tablets. Additionally, wifi kits were provided to ensure seamless internet connectivity. To further enhance digital learning capabilities, 3 laptops and 3 projectors were delivered to select Spots. 

During the event, in addition to comprehensive leadership training sessions, the Catalysts participated in a series of digital skills workshops. These sessions covered practical topics such as using the tablets and wifi kits, ensuring online safety, effectively navigating the EduSpots App (supported by a newly created and distributed App guidance handbook), and leveraging the devices for broader educational purposes. This training equipped Catalysts with the knowledge and confidence to integrate digital tools into their community-led education initiatives.

We engaged high-profile guests, including Mr. Aaron Akwaboah, Director of Strategy and Innovation at the Ministry of Education, and Professor Elsie Effah Kaufmann, Dean of the School of Engineering Sciences at the University of Ghana, to support the launch of our digitalisation initiative and App roll-out. As part of the event, a panel discussion was held on the theme: “digital skills for a more equitable future: harnessing the power of digital tools to address educational inequity in underserved communities.” See a media report here. 

Furthermore, EduSpots did a wider distribution of digital devices during  the Ignite Regional Academies in November and December 2024, ensuring all Spots are equipped with the necessary tools for digital education. Below are the details of devices that have been distributed till date:

• 106 Lenovo M10 Tablets (2 per community; 3 per community in some cases) to 50 communities in the EduSpots network. These tablets were pre-loaded with educational Apps such as Worldreader and African Storybook, providing access to thousands of free, locally relevant books and textbooks
• 10 Laptops
• 10 Projectors
• 50 Wi-Fi Kits  

These devices have greatly enhanced the quality of digital learning and enabled larger group sessions across most of the Spots in the EduSpots network. Again, the 50 SIM embedded Wi-Fi kits together with the monthly data allowances were provided to ensure consistent internet access, enabling Spots to participate in online sessions, actively participate in Monthly Challenges, and introduce learners to online research.

2. EduSpots App Development and Roll-Out

The EduSpots App was successfully launched in April 2024, with initial functionality focused on tracking Spot activities, registering learners and volunteers, and monitoring engagement. 

The App was successfully launched on schedule with a trial group of 32 Catalysts, demonstrating its core functionality effectively, despite a few minor glitches. Its primary purpose is to serve as a coordination and tracking tool for Catalysts, enabling them to manage local Spot activities. Key features include registering new Spot learners and volunteers, obtaining necessary permissions and completing required checks, and monitoring engagement with Spot activities and resources. Read more on the App and its functionality here. 

A dedicated App Working Group, comprising Catalysts and staff, was established to troubleshoot issues and provide feedback to developers. In line with feedback from the App Working Group and Catalysts across the network, we have added additional features such as reference checks of Catalysts, parental consent of learners, local grant reporting, and tracking of book borrowing across the network.

30 Spots are now consistently using the App, with the remaining 20 engaging with it intermittently. Updates to address glitches and enhance functionality are ongoing, with a focus on integrating challenge submission and marking systems by February 2025.

3. Training and Capacity Building

EduSpots has been able to roll out various digital skills capacity building initiatives; including the training of 32 Catalysts during the Catalyse Leadership Academy, covering digital skills, online safety, and effective use of the EduSpots App.

Residential staff training Academies in July 2024 and January 2025 equipped staff and peer mentors with advanced digital skills, ensuring they can support Spots effectively, including training on effective use of AI. There was also the training of the four (4) full-time Regional Coordinators (RCs) on new features of the App so that they can assist Spots in their respective Clusters on any troubleshooting issues that are reported to them. 

The Appointment of a Digital and Literacy Skills Coordinator in May 2024 has driven the integration of digital skills training across the network, including weekly “Digital Skills Thursday” sessions on WhatsApp.

Community Outcomes – Observations

Learners have reported increased confidence and engagement, with many using digital tools for research and self-directed learning as Alhassan Asana from Kalpohin Spot notes, by using educational platforms like Google and YouTube for research purposes. Issahak Norga Issahak from Sakasaka also notes that access to technology and the resulting acquisition of new digital skills has increased student confidence. Ernest Rutherford Fordjour describes this positive change as students taking “ownership of their learning space” – where teachers guide learners towards independence. 

Additionally, Catalysts such as Solomon Yawson from Ekumfi Spot note the increased turnout in various strands, with improved tracking of learner progress, thanks to electronic participation records.  Whilst this may be accredited to the entertaining aspect of digital device use, Rita Otabil from Ampatano Spot remarks that it may also be due to the way learners are now held accountable because of electronic participation records at Spots. Indeed, Nimatu Abdul-Rahman from Savelugu Spot shares that digital devices have helped to “increase learning outcomes, Catalyst engagement and tracking of progress”. Seidu Khadijah at Zangbalun Spot adds that the projector serves “to enhance interaction and participation” among students, because with a larger screen, learners are more included and thus engaged. 

Monitoring visits across the Spots have shown that Catalysts are using the tablets effectively to manage teams, with 30 Spots consistently using the App consistently, and the remaining 20 engaging with the App, but requiring support from their Regional Coordinator and periodic update from the App developer. Specifically, those Spots that were supplied with these devices and trained on the EduSpots App are now able to record opening hours with users signing in on entrance, registering their Catalysts, their learners and tracking their volunteering activities. Catalysts are also increasingly using the devices and wifi kits to access the Catalyse Leadership Workshops and Ignite Talks. Spots are now better equipped to manage activities, with 30 consistently using the App to record opening hours, register users, and track engagement.

Case Study: Aboabo No 4 Spot 

Written by Japhta, a Catalyst from Aboabo No 4 Spot, one of 12 new Spots joining the network in November 2024. 

“EduSpots has created opportunities for both students and teachers to grow, transforming our school into a hub of innovation and collaboration. The programs have empowered our students with digital and environmental skills, making them more confident and engaged learners.

The tablets have become invaluable tools for teachers, enhancing how lessons are planned and delivered. They are used to access a variety of teaching resources such as lesson plans, videos, and digital textbooks, making classes more interactive and engaging. Additionally, teachers use the tablets to conduct assessments, provide instant feedback, and track students’ progress through educational apps. The devices also serve as a platform for teachers to participate in professional development programs, ensuring continuous improvement in their teaching methods.

Students have embraced the tablets as a gateway to a more engaging and interactive learning experience. They use the devices to access digital textbooks, instructional videos, and interactive learning apps to develop skills in areas like math, reading, and coding. The tablets also encourage collaborative learning, as students work together on group assignments and problem-solving activities. Furthermore, they provide a platform for students to conduct research and express their creativity through apps for designing, video editing, and storytelling.

We intend to use the tablets to further enhance our EcoSTEM initiatives. For example, we plan to incorporate data tracking systems where students can monitor tree planting, recycling activities, and environmental projects through the tablets. By introducing educational software related to climate change and sustainability, we hope to inspire students to become environmental advocates in their communities.

Our plan is to fully integrate the tablets into the school’s curriculum to ensure that every student gains essential digital skills. We aim to introduce structured training sessions on advanced topics like coding, graphic design, and digital storytelling. This will prepare students for future academic and professional opportunities in a tech-driven world. Additionally, we plan to expand the use of the tablets for personalized learning, allowing students to progress at their own pace using adaptive educational apps.”

Challenges and Learnings

1. App Functionality: While the EduSpots App (see a snapshot inside below) has been well-received, some glitches and usability issues were identified. These are being addressed through ongoing collaboration with developers and feedback from the App Working Group as well as Catalysts from the wider network.
2. Digital literacy gaps: Some Catalysts and learners require additional training to fully utilise the devices and Apps. This has highlighted the need for ongoing, embedded digital skills training.

Project Outcomes

1. Improved monitoring and evaluation: 90% of Spots are now submitting accurate data on opening hours, user numbers, and engagement, enabling EduSpots to provide targeted support and unlock further funding opportunities. Staff and Catalysts’ time spent on manual data collection has been significantly reduced, allowing more time for coaching and programme delivery.
2. Increased access to education programmes: 50 Spots now have access to digital devices, enabling 10,000+ learners to engage with digital educational resources and monthly challenges. Catalysts motivation and retention have improved, with a 20% increase in club participation anticipated by the end of 2024.
3. Enhanced digital skills: 402 Catalysts have been trained in digital skills during the Ignite Regional Academies in November and December 2024, with 30 Catalysts receiving advanced leadership training through the Catalyse Leadership Programme. Learners are also gaining foundational digital skills, improving their confidence, school performance, and future-readiness to the world of work.
4. Expanded access to learning materials: Learners and volunteers now have access to thousands of free, locally relevant books and textbooks through Apps like Worldreader, addressing the scarcity of physical books in rural areas.

Next Steps

• App enhancements: Further development of the EduSpots App will focus on integrating challenge submission, marking, and leaderboard systems. 
• DigiLit clubs: The relaunch of EduLit clubs as “DigiLit” in 2025 will combine literacy and digital skills training for Basic 4-6 learners with further integration of digital skills and resources across all strands. 
• Ongoing training: Digital skills training will be embedded across all education strands. In addition, we are launching ‘EduBytes’ – a series of 1 month certificated online short courses, starting with design skills, alongside network-wide training at Spots in July with regional coordinator support. 
• Digital safeguarding: We plan on leading further enhanced training on online safety through the May Spot Lead challenge. 
• Continued fundraising: We are aiming to fundraise towards each Spot having 5 tablets, alongside a laptop, projector and wifi kit. This will enable students to work in groups of 5 in clubs, rather than clustering around a few devices. 

Thank you once again to the Fonthill Foundation and Wanderlust Ghana for your support of this transformative digitalisation project, which has advanced learning outcomes for Catalysts, learners, community members, and staff, whilst advancing our organisation-wide systems needed to sustain, strengthen and scale our impact.