Mobile technology & higher education in Africa: more than just potential?

A PEI UNESCO Workshop11th September 2013

Introducing the PEI:What do we believe in?

mlearning in Africa & today’s session

Why mlearning?

• Technology is central to Africa’s development

• Mobile phones at the heart of this tech revolution

• Phones now provide crucial services in Africa, including health, banking, farming

The key question

How can we use this tech for scientific development?

What we did - our consultation

• Our consultation has engaged with academics across Africa and beyond

• In-depth in interviews, surveys and questionnaires

• As well as live workshops – including today!

What have we found so far?

Almost 90% of online respondents thought mobile was the future

1. Direction of travel clear – mlearning is only going to grow

• Respondents very supportive of technology

• Even those skeptical saw growing role of technology future

• Was seen as particularly important for Africa given the specific challenges

What have we found so far?

• Not a complete ‘solution’• Must be integrated into wider educational system• Careful not to be drawn to ‘sexiest’ technology

2. Mlearning not a silver bullet

What have we found so far?

• Technology shouldn’t just deliver information• Need to use technology to create knowledge• Use tech to redesign learning, don’t just seek to put

classroom online

3. It’s not all about content

What have we found so far?

• Higher education as the area it could have greatest impact

• Older students more likely to be able to afford and use technology to support learning

• International collaboration for research made easier

4. Mlearning suits all ages, but higher education has the greatest unexplored potential

What have we found so far?

• Cost the most prominent barrier in responses• As cost of hardware comes down, connection and

data costs still high• Lack of government support in providing supportive

regulatory and policy environment. ICT policies need to be integrated not isolated

5. Cost and lack of government support important barriers

Today

• Small working groups to answer three questions:– Is mlearning the future?– What are the barriers?– What projects would you like to see?

• Feedback to panel and open discussion

We work in a collaborative way and today is about hearing from all your own experience too

Thank you