Service-Learning and education design
Technology for Learning Equity in Rwanda
The project aims to improve the learning experience of young people in three Rwandan schools with learning technology. With second-hand iPads donated from NGOs in Hong Kong, we developed different ways of usage in teaching. iPads were used as e-textbooks to teach about Math, English, and practical science subjects like Pulleys, Solar Ovens, and Microscopes, and were transformed into e-microscope DIY toolkits to motivate students' creative exploration. We also set up the Internet for three schools. The service aimed at establishing a local learning technology ecosystem. I was awarded the "Best in the Team" Scholarship in this project.
Client /
NGO in Rwanda
Role /
Service design, iBook design, Lecturer
Team /
20 people
Year /
2014
The whole Service-Learning project lasted for half a year, including four stages: team building, theory study, preparation, and practice. The first three stages were in Hong Kong, and the last was the serivce in Rwanda.
Curriculum Design
To introduce iPads for learning, we designed three courses: Math, English, and Science. As the two of the schools were primary schools, and one of them was a catch-up school, we customed the courses for different age groups considering their cognitive competence.
In primary school, sparking interest and curiosity was the concentration of teaching; in catch-up school where students were older, practicability is more important.
Extensive Activities
After the service, back in Hong Kong, I worked as a student designer for the Office of Service-Learning at my university. I designed a poster on campus, organized a booth fair open to the public, and published an article in Hong Kong Wen Wei Daily newspaper to introduce the project to a broader audience. I was also awarded the "Best in the Team" Scholarship.
Timeline
Opportunity Analysis
As an old Chinese saying goes, "To give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; to teach him how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime". Compared to support education and money donation, introducing learning technology to Rwandan students and enabling their access to knowledge is the best approach. Our team set up the Internet for Rwandan schools and brought them iPads with training courses. In the preparation stage, my job was English and Pulleys iBook design and curriculum design.
Teaching Material
The schools and the region had limited access to essential resources. So for Science classes, we designed three practical topics: Pulleys, Solar Ovens, and Microscopes, in responding to their study environment.