MIT Solve

Solution Overview

Solution Name:

myclassroom.online - Empowering equality

One-line solution summary:

A complete, integrated, intuitive & flexible online learning platform for all types of Classroom (Urban to Rural, Primary to tertiary level)

Pitch your solution.

COVID-19 caused unprecedented educational disruption. It has triggered the distinctive rise of an e-learning platform that is easy to adopt and accessible by all types of students regardless of socio-economic difference and demographics. Irrespective of pre/post-pandemic time, the use of digital learning tools in classrooms are inevitable to improve the quality of education, also to develop essential 21st-century skills.

'myclassroom.online' is our impact mission to bring digital revolutions for enabling technology-based learning regardless its physical/remote/hybrid model. It will help Education institutes (Rural/Urban, Primary to tertiary) to run their operation using a single integrated platform with features like LMS/Virtual Library/Virtual Classroom tools/Automation of administrative activities/Student profiling/Analytics. We applied the design thinking approach to cater to the need of entire eco-system (Students/Parents/Teachers/Administration).

'myclassroom.online' the all-in-one learning platform is comprehensive, secured, flexible, cost-effective and scalable with basic/advanced features which will allow custom needs of an individual’s in local/global education institutes and empower equality.

Film your elevator pitch.

What specific problem are you solving?

According to Statista, by the end of March 2020 over 1.38 billion pupils across 165 countries had been affected by school closures caused by COVID-19. The majority of the Schools have struggled to find and implement viable alternatives to replace physical-classroom.

In Bangladesh, it has affected about 38 million students and close to one million teachers.

In Urban areas, schoolteachers have started using a mixture of real-time interactive classes, with a combination of pre-recorded materials on a small scale. Schools are introducing different tools to manage the situation; as a result, they are ending up using multiple tools. Teachers are overwhelmed with the new ways of learning and struggling to handle multiple tools without any proper training/digital resources. Parents are confused with the way forward approach as they are not getting any proper direction. Most importantly, students are losing valuable learning hours.

In Semi-Urban and rural areas, the situation is graver. The Government is working with UNICEF and implemented remote learning programs using TV/radio/mobile phones. But this is not effective and sustainable in the long run. Underdeveloped ICT infrastructure, limited access to device/connectivity, a scalable & affordable technology platform, and technical training for teachers/schools are the main challenges.

What is your solution?

‘myclassroom.online’ is a comprehensive learning platform to enable distance/hybrid learning. [Website]

The below features are integrated into a single SaaS-based platform to make it a complete solution.

Virtual classroom to support teacher assisted learning through a secured medium
LMS to enable self-paced learning & personalized learning
Student-teacher-class communication without using email/social media/chat
Virtual-library as the central repository of digital resources
Online exam management system with question bank (Short question/MCQ/other formats), fraud detection capability to ensure safe and fair exam
Automated result processing, grading & publication
Parent-portal & student-portfolio management
Student-profiling & Learner analytics based on the usage/activities
Task-management for students, Student discussion boards for engagement
Central administration of class-management, Automation of routine-view/class scheduling/attendance mgmt/payment processing

Key Differentiators

Features are developed applying design thinking approach with users (Teachers/Schools Authorities/Students/Parents)
User-friendly & intuitive interface
Easy to roll-out/adapt/administer
Highly modular to provide flexibility to Institutes to choose combinations of features (Basic/Pro/Advanced)
Supports low bandwidth connectivity
To ensure equality supports English & Bengali. WIll incorporate other languages to cater to global needs.
Support multifaceted learning model and different education institute structure (Year/Class based in schools, Course based in Universities/Training Centers)
Training for enabling teachers/schools/student, video tutorials

Who does your solution serve, and in what ways will the solution impact their lives?

What we are trying to solve?

Considering the building block for the digital transformation of the education system, we are trying to provide a technology platform tightly integrated with Digital content and Training for instructors and learners. It should be a concerted effort by all stakeholders (Education ministry, educationist, Institutes, Infrastructure provider, Content Development SME, LMS partners) to drive the digital transformation of education in Bangladesh. So we are trying to solve one of the important pillars.

Target Segments

'myclassroom.online' supports a multifaceted learning model. The features of the solution are uniquely designed by understanding the needs of various users. An extensive level of R&D was done by our team for 2 months to understand what the real need of this segment is, what solution already exists in the market, and why institutes are adopting multiple solutions.

How we engaged with different types of users of the solution?

The process started with identifying the current challenges, tying up with the mitigation plans and need, and then finally aligning with a long-term strategy to make it sustainable.

We organized several discussions with different types of users to apply the design thinking approach.

Challenges faced by different users

Benefits of the solution:

The solution is uniquely designed to cater to the needs of Basic users to sophisticated users.

Target segment Rural to Semi-urban (Basic Users)

Highly liquid and supports lower bandwidth
Simple interface
Supports native language
Training materials/video tutorials
LMS & Virtual library loaded with interactive materials (Pre-loaded video recordings of class) will support flexible learning (replacement of night schools)
Student-teacher communication using a messaging interface
A permanent solution to avoid any disruption in education due to any natural calamity or political disturbance
Increase ICT Knowledge for future workforce development

Target segment Urban to Semi-urban (Sophisticated Users)

Complete solution under one platform will omit the need to use multiple solutions
Virtual class module to support synchronous learning
Use of technology platform to digitize homework process, assessment process even post-pandemic period
Increase ICT Knowledge for future workforce development
Introduce STEM-based curriculum through gamified learning
A permanent solution to avoid any disruption in education due to any natural calamity or political disturbance
LMS & Virtual library loaded with interactive materials, integration with renowned LMS providers
Student-teacher communication using a messaging interface
Extensive use of learner analytics to promote personalized learning
Parent portal & student portfolio to give visibility of student’s progress in real-time
Teachers to get rid of administrative work and more focus on quality teaching

Which dimension of the Challenge does your solution most closely address?

Increase the engagement of learners in remote, hybrid, and physical environments, including strategies and tools for parental support, peer interaction, and guided independent work.

Explain how the problem you are addressing, the solution you have designed, and the population you are serving align with the Challenge.

The platform will immediately help in continuing remote/self-paced learning to mitigate Covid interruptions. On the other hand, in today’s dynamic digital world, the use of technology platforms is inevitable. Common reasons are convenience, accessibility, flexibility, and personalized learning. And our comprehensive features will also play a pivotal role to promote hybrid and learner analytics-driven personalized learning. The inclusion of interactive content, STEM-based curriculum will make the learning process more engaging and attractive. Parent dashboard will provide more visibility on student’s progress in real-time. Student discussion board, project-based work, adopting gamified approach will strengthen peer communication.

In what city, town, or region is your solution team headquartered?

Dhaka, Bangladesh

What is your solution’s stage of development?

Prototype: A venture or organization building and testing its product, service, or business model.

Explain why you selected this stage of development for your solution.

We are in the 'Prototype' stage and ready for pilot implementation. So far we have completed the development and testing of base features. Now we are further working on enhancing the product with add-on features. We are also working to create training materials and establish a support model.

In parallel, we have worked on a partnership model with 2 key players who can provide infrastructure (BRACNet - the largest Intranet connectivity provider, Grameenphone - the largest telecom provider) for mass roll out in remote locations. Also, they are our strategic partners to promote our solution through B2B model to existing customers. We are in discussion with a couple of institutes as potential candidates for the pilot and will be finalizing the roll-out plan by Jul'21.

For seed funding, we have already pitched the solution to 1 venture capitalist, submitted business proposals with projections, and in the last stage of approval.

Who is the Team Lead for your solution?

Issam Md. Kamal, Director and Chief Architect

More About Your Solution

If your solution has a website or an app, provide the links here:

https://myclassroom.online/

Which of the following categories best describes your solution?

A new application of an existing technology

What makes your solution innovative?

There are various EdTech solutions already available in the market, but most of the solutions are focusing on specific niche models like Synchronous/Asynchronous/Self-paced learning. But our solution is a combination of all; so it’s a comprehensive, all-in-one solution.
Specially designed keeping requirement of developing countries for mass rollout and multifaceted learning model (Urban/Semi-urban/Rural).
Simple, user-friendly & intuitive interface. Easy to adapt for the teachers/students who have no or minimum technology orientation.
Highly modular to provide flexibility to Institutes to choose combinations of features (Basic/Pro/Advanced)
Centralized management & administration for smooth execution of the online operation. Extensive dashboards will aid institutes with real-time visibility on online classes.
Automation of some administrative work like digital routine creation/ class schedules/teacher allocation/student attendance through the platform
Safe and secure fraud detection enabled online exam module powered by question bank with automated result processing
Secure communication channel among teachers, students, parents. Bad word filter in place to avoid cyberbully
Supports low bandwidth connectivity
To ensure equality, the platform supports multiple languages. At this moment we have English and Bengali UI. But we have plans to incorporate more languages to cater to global needs.

Considering the comprehensive nature of the platform, one tool can serve the purpose of different types of institutes rather than spending on multiple solutions. Also, automation features can massively reduce manual hrs which can be reutilized in improving the quality of teaching. As the solution is cost-effective keeping the affordability of developing countries in mind, the business value will be more impactful.

Please select the technologies currently used in your solution:

Audiovisual Media
Software and Mobile Applications

Select the key characteristics of your target population.

Women & Girls
Children & Adolescents
Rural
Peri-Urban
Urban
Poor
Low-Income
Middle-Income

Which of the UN Sustainable Development Goals does your solution address?

4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequality

In which countries do you currently operate?

Australia
Bangladesh

In which countries will you be operating within the next year?

Australia
Bangladesh

How many people does your solution currently serve? How many will it serve in one year? In five years?

As we are now in the prototype phase we don't have any active subscriptions. But below we are attaching the projection of subscription growth.

Year 1 : Approx 10,000

Year 5 : Approx 200,000

How are you measuring your progress toward your impact goals?

1. Number of schools in Bangladesh using digital platforms

2. Workforce development to fulfill skill gap in Bangladesh

3. STEM-based curriculum introduction in mainstream schools of Bangladesh

4. Complete mitigation of interruption of education if any pandemic/natural calamity occurs

5. Increase literacy rate significantly, 50% capacity increase through remote/self-paced learning

6. 20-30% Administrative work automation in education institutes

7. Optimized model to reduce 30% administrative, utilities & logistic cost

8. Elearning books and contents will reduce material distribution & logistic cost significantly

9. Learner based analytics to shift education paradigm in next level

About Your Team

Your Business Model & Partnerships

Partnership & Prize Funding Opportunities

Why are you applying to Solve?

1. First priority is definitely to join this powerful network for more exposure and idea generation

2. Get guidance from global players

3. Get constructive feedback and improvement points

4. Receive access to funding in grants and investments for growth

In which of the following areas do you most need partners or support?

Business model (e.g. product-market fit, strategy & development)
Financial (e.g. improving accounting practices, pitching to investors)
Public Relations (e.g. branding/marketing strategy, social and global media)
Product / Service Distribution (e.g. expanding client base)

Please explain in more detail here.

Guidance on making the business models more full-proof
Access to investors who have a desire to fund in similar types of impact projects in the education sector
Coaching in effective marketing strategy in global media
Exposure to new opportunities for growth in global market

What organizations would you like to partner with, and how would you like to partner with them?

Solve members with similar mission & plan in other countries to replicate the model globally
Venture capitalists who are interested in funding in the education sector
Content development partners
Solvers who are working on solution focusing on minor/disabled people which can be integrated with our solution for CSR

Do you qualify for and would you like to be considered for The ASA Prize for Equitable Education? If you select Yes, explain how you are qualified for the prize in the additional question that appears.

Yes, I wish to apply for this prize

Explain how you are qualified for this prize. How will your team use The ASA Prize for Equitable Education to advance your solution?

This is an impact project with the vision to bring transformational change in the education sector in Bangladesh. Our solution is aiming to bring equality in education so that every child can get a fair opportunity to access education. The solution is enriched with a variety of features/capabilities to make it complete so that any institution that adopts the solution does not need to use any other digital platform. We are aiming to keep the price competitive and affordable for mass deployment considering the volume of students.

We are quality-focused and ensuring skilled resources that will deliver with excellence. We have extensive plans to further develop resources ensuring standard practices of delivery methods.

So we are ensuring the key ask of this year's challenge by bringing a solution that supports equality in education.

The prize money will be used for further enhancement of the solution, market positioning for growth, establish a robust support model for quality delivery.

Do you qualify for and would you like to be considered for The Andan Prize for Innovation in Refugee Inclusion? If you select Yes, explain how you are qualified for the prize in the additional question that appears.

Yes, I wish to apply for this prize

Explain how you are qualified for this prize. How will your team use The Andan Prize for Innovation in Refugee Inclusion to advance your solution?

Our solution can be used as a remote learning / self-paced learning platform with a proper curriculum to support workforce development. Also, this can be used to run schools in refugee camps where having a full-fledged school can be a challenge.

Do you qualify for and would you like to be considered for The GM Prize? If you select Yes, explain how you are qualified for the prize in the additional question that appears.

Yes, I wish to apply for this prize

Explain how you are qualified for this prize. How will your team use The GM Prize for Innovation in Refugee Inclusion to advance your solution?

We have a dedicated team of 5 educators who are currently running STEM-based programs with Schools (Afterschool programs) and also holding online programs.

Every month we are running 4-5 batches online.

Website link : https://scitech.com.bd/

So far we have development curriculums in the below areas.

1. CodeChamp Junior / Senior (Scratch programming) : Age 6 to 15

2. Robotics with Arduino: Age 8 to 14

3. Junior Einstein (Science for kids): Age 5 to 8

4. Graphics designing & storytelling: Age 6 to 10

5. Video storytelling, stop animation: Age 6 to 10

6. Robotics with Edison: Age 6 to 12

7. Coding with Sphero: Age 6 to 12

8. STEM Master: Age 6 to 14

Do you qualify for and would you like to be considered for the Innovation for Women Prize? If you select Yes, explain how you are qualified for the prize in the additional question that appears.

Yes, I wish to apply for this prize

Explain how you are qualified for this prize. How will your team use the Innovation for Women Prize to advance your solution?

In Bangladesh, the female share of graduates from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs at the tertiary level is significantly low (less than 20%).

STEM-based programs at kids' level can definitely increase more interest to pursue a career in the same sector. We are currently promoting STEM-based courses to different girl's schools for more coverage and spread.

Do you qualify for and would you like to be considered for The AI for Humanity Prize? If you select Yes, explain how you are qualified for the prize in the additional question that appears.

Not applicable

Explain how you are qualified for this prize. How will your team use The AI for Humanity Prize to advance your solution?

No, I do not wish to be considered for this prize, even if the prize funder is specifically interested in my solution

Do you qualify for and would you like to be considered for The GSR Prize? If you select Yes, explain how you are qualified for the prize in the additional question that appears.

Yes, I wish to apply for this prize

Explain how you are qualified for this prize. How will your team use The GSR Prize Prize to advance your solution?