iTUTOR

Giving a gadget to each individual facing learning complications resulting from factors such as marginalization,conflict,Poverty, disability, displacement, gender inequality and many other disadvantages isn’t viable. The enormous number of these persons makes it practically impossible to; monitor progress, safeguard the devices from theft or malicious damage from other community residence,maintain the gadgets,ensuring learning is actually taking place,include persons with disabilities among other complications. iTUTOR device can cater for upto 20 learners simultaneously while ensuring shortcomings of providing a device to each individual are eradicated. By grouping this persons within a locale while allowing each group to pick coaches whom they trust,the learners will be comfortable learning using this device in a class like setting where they can share the problems they are facing with each other or with their coach. Progress reports uploaded to servers during update are used to make adjustments, the learners are eventually examined for certificate/diploma awards

It’s impractical to provide each marginalized girl or young woman with an electronic device such as a laptop or handheld devices like tablets or smartphones for use as a means of bridging the unfairness they face in accessing basic education particularly in patriarchal societies like African and Arabic countries. This is proven by projects like the one laptop per child (OLPC) initiative. Because of the following issues; 
• Persons with disability are not considered
• Difficulty in securing provided devices from theft or mishandling by family members
• Hardware problems and breakage in some cases 59% within the first year
• It is hard to monitor the learners progress and address the difficulties encountered 
• High cost of providing devices plus repair when damaged
• Trouble teaching each learner  how to use the device, considering most of them don’t have basic education
• No internet and if available too expensive, therefore updating the learning material is impossible
• No electricity access
• No management of electronic waste when useful life of device ends
• Sharing devices leads to social distancing concerns
Other factors; low teachers’ ICT literacy, missing policy on use of computers for learning, and learning as an individual is hard compared to group learning

iTUTOR

is an intelligent low powered compact electronic device that teaches up to 20 learners including those with disability, taking social distancing into consideration. It’s made using embedded electronic components encased in a tough shock absorbing casing, internal components are modular making repair of iTUTOR is cheap and simple. Building blocks include;

• Projector(DLP)– displays a 150 inch screen size offline content 
• GSM/GPRS- internet connection for update/synchronization and for triangulation in case of theft 
• Infrared thermal sensor - monitors heat emitted from learners bodies from a distance of up to 7 meters (23) feet, measures temperatures ranging from 0°C to 80°C (32°F to 176°F) 
• Solar panel - mounted on the device, charges the intrinsic battery 
• Accelerometer + Gyro motion processing unit- detects if device is moved when it should not be in use, alerts are sent to responsible persons
• Camera- sign language input to device and monitoring  learners concentration and social distancing via machine vision algorithms
• Microphone - for giving instructions to the device and reply during interactive lessons
•  Battery – useful  in areas without electricity access
• Speaker – audio output for device’s AI voice and lesson using audiovisual materials
• Raspberry Pi computer - controls all modules and delivers learning content

iTUTOR is well-suited to serve learners in;nomadic existence like the Maasai/Turkana/Samburu/Pokot ethnic groups,living in poor rural circumstances,who’re dwelling in poor urban slums,with refugee status e.g.Rohingyas/Syrians,with disability e.g.the blind/deaf/dumb/crippled,orphanages where affording school fees is hard and those leaving in insecure areas where being in school is dangerous e.g.Somalia,South-Sudan,Syria.Learners in such settings cannot be suited by the conventional education procedures of sitting in a classroom.Through interactions and participatory encounters as well as personal life experiences,the problems stated above can be mitigated resulting to the following outcomes;
•Better grasping of STEM related subjects where visualization of concepts boosts understanding e.g. topics like atomic theory where the movement of electrons around an atom is simulated for the learners to see unlike just descriptions through notes
•Other uses include civic education where information is passed to older persons on important issues
•For special need person’s education–the visually impaired can control it through voice with its natural language processing and deaf/dumb use sign language
•Strengthening of confidence-vocal interactions with the device and other peers through speaking
•iTUTOR encourages learning in group setting peer support will emerge where learners in the same study group will help each other by sharing ideas and consolations for problems they are facing in their homes

iTUTOR seeks to bridge the gap of unequal access to quality education through use of affordable computing technology that give unified access to segregated learners such as girls and young women from disadvantaged situations. Using community coaches to be in charge of organizing learners and be in charge of the device safe keeping, iTUTOR serves up to 20 learners therefore more reliable compared to providing each individual with a device that they will not utilize beneficially. Learning materials loaded to the device is up to the regions standards for examination purposes and updated periodically.

By using a compact design we have eliminated the need for cumbersome components such as the; keyboard, mouse, projector, speakers, amplifier, and the cabling that is required for connecting these peripherals to a computer or a laptop. Being a single device iTUTOR can be easily carried therefore used in the most hostile places and conditions, it can be operated by those without computer skills; since it serves up to 20 learners at once it has caused more impact in places it has been put into use. It is inexpensive to manufacture hence its selling price is 200$ per device making it much more affordable compared to the one device per user model of bridging the gap of unequal access to quality education. Its compact small size (L x W x H cm) of (25 x 15 x 25) makes it convenient therefore making its safekeeping easy. It also ensures proper learning takes place since group learning is more effective compared to learning as an individual. An inbuilt thermal sensing camera checks learners for fever whereas an inbuilt camera ensures proper social distancing is observed and also monitors concentration during a lesson unlike when each individual have their own device where no monitoring of learning effectiveness is supervised.

We use the raspberry pi a small single board but full fledge computer and microelectronic extension boards i.e. hardware attached on top ‘HAT’ designed for integration with the raspberry pi we combine this elements to form a single powerful device. Artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms along with python programming language libraries such as openCV, PyTorch running in the device enable users to be able to interact with the device using speech and sign language through natural language processing (NLP).

The various microelectronic components that we have used in order to come up with iTUTOR are; SIM800L GPRS GSM Breakout Module, MPU-6050 is an 8 pin 6 axis gyro + accelerometer, AMG8833 8x8 Thermal Camera Sensor, OpenMV H7 Camera, Seeed’s ReSpeaker 6-Mic Circular Array Kit, DLP LightCrafter Display 2000 EVM, DC amplified speaker, UB1290 battery, solar panel, Raspberry pi model 4B

Components used as building blocks of the iTUTOR device are already well tested in other applications or use cases e.g. a normal projector a common cog of a conference room therefore none of these component are new other than the way we have used the modules inventively by bringing them together and using intelligent software to build an autonomous device that is applied in the teaching of learners efficiently. Data provided here are some of none sensitive usage data that have been uploaded to our server during the update cycles of 36 devices already in use since 2017 the raw data includes; number of Update cycles per device, students count and their unique IDs, Days and Hours used, Lessons learned and topics covered, learners Concentration analysis, Body temp and Averages. Analysis of the same data is provided here in a graph/chart format. A video of the iTUTOR device can be viewed here.

Learners that have used iTUTOR to learn the English language for example exhibit a higher degree of ease in sentence formation compared to those who are yet to access this device this is because while interacting with them they communicate using much comprehensible word patterns considering that English is their third language after Swahili and their native language. This has led us to gain an understanding of the kind of teaching substance that we need to upload into the server to be updated to the devices already in the field. iTUTOR also enhances standardization of teaching qualities. We witnessed in some cases where there were volunteer instructors who interact with learners in places where we intended to provide iTUTOR that the volunteers’ knowledge on subject they were teaching was below the average, this resulted to difficulty in delivering substantial information to the learner in the subjects topics that was needed to be covered to make the learning process meaningful in the long run

Having already distributed 36 iTUTORs there are currently 2052 learners that benefit from the devices, this is achieved by dividing users that use the device on a daily basis into 3 groups which attend lessons in 3 shifts of a day the shifts are structured as follows;

• First Shift from 9am to 12 pm
• Second shift from 1230 pm to 330pm
• Last shift of the day 400pm to 600pm

Learners have joined shifts that suit them most where an agreement is made with their parents or guardians to ensure that all tasks the children are required to do are completed before the learners lessons shift. Distributed among the devices in different locations within Kenya we hope to distribute 50 more devices by the end of 2020 which translates to 1000 more beneficiaries and if all goes to plan by end of 5 years 100000 i.e. 20000 devices annually that will transform up to 2000000 under privileged lives.

We have embarked to improving on content diversification by developing content that suite other countries education curriculum other than relying on APIs freely accessible over the internet for content upgrading and ministry of education recommended content APIs  thus making our content more robust and relevant to specific countries. Having fulfilled this short term mission we endeavor to expand to the countries that we can serve relevant content to this are mainly neighboring countries to Kenya affected by conflicts that has resulted to despicable poverty; these countries are South Sudan and Somalia

Curriculum content development is quit challenging and needs input from experts in syllabus development, especially in countries with no established education structures such as south Sudan and Somalia which are in constant conflict but by coping standards  from neighboring countries we can at least provide standardized formal education through iTUTOR as we continue improving on the content being delivered. Although iTUTOR is readily accepted by most marginalized societies market penetration is still difficult due to expensive advertising channels such as radio, television and newspapers we mainly depend on social media and word of mouth referrals in order to reach our current users

By dealing with the compulsory subjects that all students are required to enroll in first due to the limited but expensive resource of curriculum development experts before dealing with the rest of the subjects, we also deliberately focus on getting STEM based subjects into our system. On marketing since we can’t afford to use paid advertisements we try to get featured on programs where we do not have to pay for being on air and getting to show case our product while maintaining a strong presence on social media platforms

9 personnel work to produce iTUTOR devices these are all full time staffs we have assigned our tasks as follows;

• 5 persons are assigned to iTUTOR assembly line
• 2 work on software development and upgrade tasks
• 1 on accounts and logistical tasks such as ordering of the components
• 1 on iTUTOR brand awareness and soliciting for market 

We are a well balanced team that is comprised of one electronic engineer, two software engineers, a social worker and a marketing person. We have ensured that we observe gender balance in the recruitment of these workforces

We have not been lucky to get any partnership with any big organizations but we are still striving to achieve partnership with UN bodies that deal with humanitarian work especially those that handle children and refuges such as the United Nations high commission for refugees (UNHCR) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

ITUTOR ensures learners get knowledge that is examined so that a certificate or diploma is attained at the end of the course this is why the curriculums being delivered via iTUTOR are aligned to specific countries syllabus which the device is sold to. one iTUTOR device costs 200$ per device and since it can serve up to 20 users at once and up to 60 users in a day where learners are put into 3 groups that attend a 3 hour lesson daily the cost of purchasing one device in a village is shared among people whose children will use this device therefore leading to a contribution of 3.34 $ per child in a one-off payment

The value of having papers that prove competency and that one has attended school is precious. This is what iTUTOR does for individuals who cannot gain access to this precious commodity of formal education, once a learners have attended lessons served through iTUTORs and gained knowledge relevant to the education system of the country in which they belong they then apply for an exam from the education body and be awarded a formal certificate that enable them to proceed in the building of a long lasting and satisfactory carrier of their choice. This is how we quantify the impact to the society that has been touched by iTUTOR, profit and any proceeding obtained by selling iTUTOR is used in the increase in numbers of devices we supply and keeping our company growing.

We have endeavored to follow a for profit path ever since we established iTUTOR by selling the iTUTOR device to the most in demand groups at a small margin so as to ensure the sustainability of the products production. Purchase cost of the product is distributed among the learners parents/guidance which gives them a since of entitlement to the device therefore ensuring the proper utilization by the learners

With more exposure and advice from different quarters iTUTOR will scale and impact more disadvantaged learners around the world, this is the reason we have applied to solve so that we can get advice from individuals who have solved complex world challenges through technology

We are seeking mentorship from world class game changers who have overcome challenges that all startups normally face. Hence we are seeking for exposure and advice from different quarters, so that we can better improve and distribute iTUTOR and impact more disadvantaged learners around the world, by applying to solve we are hoping to connect with and get advice from individuals who have solved complex world challenges through technology

The United Nations high commission for refugees (UNHCR) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)

iTUTOR is well-suited to serve learners in; refugee status e.g. Rohingyas/Syrians, and also with disability e.g. The blind/deaf/dumb/crippled. ITUTOR ensures learners get knowledge that is will be eventually examined so that a certificate or diploma is attained at the end of the course this is why the curriculum being delivered via iTUTOR are aligned to the specific countries syllabus which the device located. Through interactions and participatory encounters as well as personal life experiences, the problems stated above can be mitigated resulting to the following outcomes;

•Better grasping of STEM related subjects where visualization of concepts boosts understanding e.g. topics like atomic theory where the movement of electrons around an atom is simulated for the learners to see unlike just descriptions through notes

•Other uses include civic education where information is passed to older persons on important issues

•For special need person’s education–the visually impaired can control it through voice with its natural language processing and deaf/dumb use sign language

•Strengthening of confidence-vocal interactions with the device and other peers through speaking

•iTUTOR encourages learning in group setting peer support will emerge where learners in the same study group will help each other by sharing ideas and consolations for problems they are facing in their homes

If  considered we shall use the funds in the following way

1. 50% to manufacture more iTUTORs
2. 20% distribution of the devices
3.  20% fresh content creation
4. 10% capacity building through training of our staff 

ITUTOR seeks to bridge the gap of unequal access to information through use of affordable computing technology that give unified access to segregated learners such as girls and young women from disadvantaged situations. ITUTOR serves up to 20 persons at once therefore more reliable compared to providing each individual with a device that they will not utilize beneficially

•Better grasping of STEM related subjects where visualization of concepts boosts understanding e.g. topics like atomic theory where the movement of electrons around an atom is simulated for the learners to see unlike just descriptions through notes

•Other uses include civic education where information is passed to older persons on important issues

•For special need person’s education–the visually impaired can control it through voice with its natural language processing and deaf/dumb use sign language

•Strengthening of confidence-vocal interactions with the device and other peers through speaking

•iTUTOR encourages learning in group setting peer support will emerge where learners in the same study group will help each other by sharing ideas and consolations for problems they are facing in their homes

If  considered we shall use the funds in the following way

1. 50% to manufacture more iTUTORs
2. 20% distribution of the devices
3.  20% fresh content creation
4. 10% capacity building through training of our staff 

ITUTOR seeks to bridge the gap of unequal access to quantity education and learning opportunities to marginalized girl or young woman especially in patriarchal societies like African and Arabic countries. ITUTOR ensures learners get knowledge that is examinable so that a certificate or diploma is attained at the end of the course this is why the curriculums being delivered via iTUTOR are aligned to specific countries syllabus. The results realized when iTUTOR is use include;

•Better grasping of STEM related subjects where visualization of concepts boosts understanding e.g. topics like atomic theory where the movement of electrons around an atom is simulated for the learners to see unlike just descriptions through notes

•Other uses include civic education where information is passed to older persons on important issues

•For special need person’s education–the visually impaired can control it through voice with its natural language processing and deaf/dumb use sign language

•Strengthening of confidence-vocal interactions with the device and other peers through speaking

•iTUTOR encourages learning in group setting peer support will emerge where learners in the same study group will help each other by sharing ideas and consolations for problems they are facing in their homes

If  considered we shall use the funds in the following way

1. 50% to manufacture more iTUTORs
2. 20% distribution of the devices
3.  20% fresh content creation
4. 10% capacity building through training of our staff 

ITUTOR seeks to bridge the gap of unequal access to information through use of affordable computing technology that give unified access to segregated persons from disadvantaged situations. ITUTOR serves up to 20 persons at once including those with disability e.g. the blind/deaf/dumb/ therefore more reliable compared to providing each individual with a device that they will not utilize beneficially. Uses include civic education where information is passed to older persons on important issues iTUTOR encourages learning in group setting peer support will emerge where learners in the same study group will help each other by sharing ideas and consolations for problems they are facing in their homes

If  considered we shall use the funds in the following way

1. 50% to manufacture more iTUTORs
2. 20% distribution of the devices
3.  20% fresh content creation
4. 10% capacity building through training of our staff

iTUTOR is an intelligent low powered compact electronic device that seeks to bridge the gap of unequal access to education and general information through use of affordable computing technology that give unified access to segregated persons from disadvantaged situations. ITUTOR serves up to 20 persons at once including those with disability e.g. the blind/deaf/dumb/ therefore more reliable compared to providing each individual with a device that they will not utilize beneficially. Uses include civic education where information is passed to older persons on important issues iTUTOR encourages learning in group setting peer support will emerge where learners in the same study group will help each other by sharing ideas and consolations for problems they are facing in their homes

If  considered we shall use the funds in the following way

1. 50% to manufacture more iTUTORs
2. 20% distribution of the devices
3.  20% fresh content creation
4. 10% capacity building through training of our staff

iTUTOR is an intelligent low powered compact electronic device that seeks to bridge the gap of unequal access to education and general information through use of affordable computing technology that give unified access to segregated persons from disadvantaged situations. ITUTOR serves up to 20 persons at once including those with disability e.g. the blind/deaf/dumb/ therefore more reliable compared to providing each individual with a device that they will not utilize beneficially. Uses include civic education where information is passed to older persons on important issues iTUTOR encourages learning in group setting peer support will emerge where learners in the same study group will help each other by sharing ideas and consolations for problems they are facing in their homes

If  considered we shall use the funds in the following way

1. 50% to manufacture more iTUTORs
2. 20% distribution of the devices
3.  20% fresh content creation
4. 10% capacity building through training of our staff