Low-connectivity Educational Technology : A Case Study of Supporting Learning during Covid-19 via SMS with ‘Keep Kenya Learning’

Jordan, Katy and Khagame, Phoebe and Mumbi, Albina and Njuguna, Lydia (2024) Low-connectivity Educational Technology : A Case Study of Supporting Learning during Covid-19 via SMS with ‘Keep Kenya Learning’. Journal of Learning for Development, 11 (3). pp. 553-562. ISSN 2311-1550

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Abstract

The use of Short Messaging Service (SMS) for education has grown in recent years, drawing particular attention to supporting school-level learners, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This renewed interest has prompted questions about how this form of educational technology could be used in the longer term. However, despite being used in many Covid-19 responses, there are few documented examples of innovative applications in this field during the pandemic, which represents a gap in the literature. As a medium for education, SMS offers potential benefits such as being cost-effective and having positive impacts on learning. In this paper, we present a case study of an educational programme rapidly implemented during the pandemic as part of the ‘Keep Kenya Learning’ program, to support learners remotely in terms of literacy, numeracy, and social and emotional learning topics. Through the case study, we describe the innovative process used to rapidly develop content for SMS, and draw upon usage statistics, quiz scores and user feedback to gain insights into its implementation with learners and caregivers in Kenya. The case study demonstrated that educational television content can be effectively adapted to mobile delivery. Furthermore, we present practical reflections on the development and implementation of SMS educational technology which will help inform future initiatives. These include considering timing in relation to school terms when planning a supporting intervention, and designing content in a modular way to allow flexibility for learners in navigating through courses.

Item Type:
Journal Article
Journal or Publication Title:
Journal of Learning for Development
Uncontrolled Keywords:
Research Output Funding/yes_externally_funded
Subjects:
?? yes - externally fundedsdg 4 - quality education ??
ID Code:
225763
Deposited By:
Deposited On:
20 Nov 2024 10:10
Refereed?:
Yes
Published?:
Published
Last Modified:
28 Nov 2024 01:42