MIT Solve

Organization Details

Team Lead Details

Solution Details

One-line solution summary: In 20 words or less, summarize your organization's product or program that is the focus of your LEAP Project.

ASANKA is solving 3 major educational challenges; Curriculum & Content Distribution (CCD), Evidence-based Decision Making (EDM), & Localized Content (LC).

Define the problem that your solution seeks to solve. [200-500 words recommended]

ASANKA solves three main key problems within the educational sector of Ghana and Africa. These are :

Lack of Curriculum & Content Distribution (CCD)

Lack of Localized Content (LC)

Lack of Evidence-based Decision Making (EDM)

In a skills assessment conducted by the World Bank in 12 countries comprising 7 African countries, grade 2 pupils in Ghanaian public schools were the worst-performing pupils with almost 90% of students unable to read. In numeracy, 70% were unable to perform simple two-digit subtraction exercises.” This shows that current educational practices are not producing the necessary educational outcomes.

Curriculum & Content Distribution CCD is between 16-29% of all textbooks throughout the entire country (Ghana), however, they never reach their destination. Reasons vary from poor roads, theft, spoilage, and lack of inventory control, among others.

Even if the Curriculum & Content Distribution CCD is successful there are no Evidence-based Decision Making EDM tools to help Teachers, Administrators & Ministries improve educational outcomes, so they are left with guessing, luck and tradition.

Not all education content is created equal. Research has shown that Localized Content LC is useful for increased student comprehension and reading abilities. Lack of Localized Content LC often creates confusion and increases learning challenges through unfamiliar language usage (grammar, speed & accents), and cultural references.

Describe your solution and how it works in simple terms. [200-500 words recommended]

ASANKA connects offline learners to local content for free. It is a low-cost, low-powered (5-Watts), durable (metal case) system that conveys any content using Web 2.0 platform. You can load your own content or purchase with preloaded local content. ASANKA Analytics gives decision-makers evidence-based educational tools to improve teaching & learning outcomes. No other system solves these challenges (Curriculum & Content Distribution CCD, Evidence-based Decision Making EDM, Localized Content LC) in the most difficult-to-reach communities across Africa like TECHAiDE’s ASANKA.

ASANKA Analytics solves the problem of Evidence-based Decision Making (EDM) by giving decision-makers evidence-based educational tools to improve teaching & learning outcomes. The system is a simple closed-loop tool between Teacher - Student - Content - Exam Scores gathering usage data. When connected to the internet it uploads that data to an ASANKA Cloud Account (ACA) for review & analysis.

The content on the ASANKA is based on the curriculum of the Ghana Education Service. All the subjects are arranged in strands and substrates and every lesson is accompanied by an end-of-unit quiz to test the understanding of the students. Every user or student that signs onto the ASANKA creates a unique identifier that helps teachers and administrators to monitor the activities of students and assess their strengths and understanding of topics learned through the scores of the subject quizzes taken. Also, students can be tracked on their lesson notes progress through the ASANKA analytics.

TECHAiDE has over 440 ASANKAs placed in schools across Ghana, Gambia and Haiti. Our impact assessment report proved that with the intervention and introduction of ASANKA in schools, passing scores at the basic education level increased by 22%, independent studies increased by 19% and teacher-classroom engagements improved with access to a more reliable and curriculum-based lesson note. School enrollment in 5 regions of Ghana increased with female enrollment seeing over 3.5% increase. Vidoe Tutorial.

Select the key characteristics of your target population. Select all that apply.

Women & Girls
Pre-primary age children (ages 2-5)
Primary school children (ages 5-12)
Rural
Peri-Urban
Poor
Low-Income
Refugees & Internally Displaced Persons
Persons with Disabilities

In which country or countries does your solution currently operate?

Ghana (HQ), Gambia and Haiti.

Upload your solution's Theory of Change or Logic Model.

61628_Jacobs foundation Pitch Sheet 2.pdf - 485 KB

Where would you place your solution on Nesta's Standards of Evidence?

Level 5: You have manuals, systems and procedures to ensure consistent replication and positive impact.

To date, what research/studies has your organization conducted that have helped demonstrate the effectiveness of your solution? [200-500 words recommended]

A study of the effects of COVID-19 on Education: How the Pandemic Changed learning.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on nearly every aspect of daily life, including education. As schools and universities around the world have closed their doors to prevent the spread of the virus, students and teachers have had to adapt to new forms of learning. In this post, we’ll explore the effects of COVID-19 on education and how it has changed the way we teach and learn.

What has the research/studies you have conducted revealed about your solution and how did it inform your work moving forward? [200-500 words recommended]

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on education, and its effects will be felt for years to come. The shift to online learning, learning loss, and achievement gaps, mental health impact, teacher burnout, and increased focus on digital literacy are just some of the ways the pandemic has changed education. As we look to the future, it’s important to address these issues and find innovative solutions to ensure that all students have access to high-quality education, regardless of the circumstances.

LEAP Project Details

Describe your organization's need to strengthen the evidence base of your solution. [200-500 words recommended]

Improve the effectiveness of our interventions: Evidence-based solutions help us design and implement interventions that are more effective at achieving our goals. By conducting research, collecting data, and analyzing trends, we can identify the most pressing social challenges and develop solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of the communities we serve. Evidence-based solutions also help us measure the impact of our interventions, identify what works and what doesn't, and refine our strategies accordingly.
Increase the scalability and replicability of our solutions: Evidence-based solutions are more likely to be scalable and replicable, which is essential for achieving our mission. By documenting our interventions, collecting data, and sharing best practices, we can replicate successful models in different contexts and scale up our impact. Evidence-based solutions also help us build credibility and attract more funding and partnerships to support our initiatives.
Foster innovation and technological advancements: Evidence-based solutions drive innovation and technological advancements, which are at the core of TECHAiDE's work. By collaborating with researchers, academia, and experts in relevant fields, we can identify and leverage emerging technologies for social impact. Evidence-based solutions also help us explore new technologies, study their applications, and develop prototypes and proofs of concept.
Advocate for policy changes and promote the adoption of evidence-based practices: Evidence-based solutions can inform policy dialogues and advocate for policies that facilitate the use of technology for development. By generating data, conducting policy analyses, and providing recommendations to policymakers, we can highlight the potential of technology-driven solutions to address social challenges.

What are 2-3 research questions that you would like your LEAP Project to help you answer? [100 words recommended]

What are the effective strategies for promoting equitable access to EdTech resources and bridging the digital divide among underserved student populations?
What is the effectiveness of EdTech interventions in improving teacher-student interactions and facilitating personalized feedback and support?
personalized feedback and support?
What are the existing gaps in evidence-based decision-making in the education sector in the targeted context?

What type of research/studies do you think will help answer your stated questions? Select all that apply.

Formative research (e.g. usability studies; feasibility studies; case studies; user interviews; implementation studies; pre-post or multi-measure research; correlational studies)

Please elaborate on your selection above by describing your desired outputs of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint. [200 - 500 words recommended]

Define the research objective: Clearly articulate the purpose of the research study. Identify the specific research question(s) or goals that the study aims to address. For example, the objective could be to evaluate the usability of an EdTech platform or assess the feasibility of implementing a specific technology-based intervention in a particular educational setting.
Design the study: Determine the research design and methodology that aligns with the research objective. Select appropriate data collection methods such as interviews, surveys, observations, or existing data analysis. Plan the sample size and sampling strategy to ensure it is representative of the target population or context of the study.
Develop research instruments: Create or adapt research instruments that are suitable for collecting the required data. This may include interview guides, questionnaires, observation protocols, or usability testing scripts. Ensure that the instruments are aligned with the research objectives and designed to gather relevant and reliable data.
Recruitment and data collection: Identify and recruit participants who meet the criteria for the study. This may involve contacting potential participants, obtaining informed consent, and scheduling data collection sessions. Conduct data collection activities, such as interviews, usability testing sessions, or observations, following the established protocols and research instruments.
Data analysis: Analyze the collected data using appropriate qualitative or quantitative techniques based on the nature of the study. For qualitative data, employ techniques such as thematic analysis, content analysis, or discourse analysis. For quantitative data, use statistical analysis methods to identify patterns, correlations, or significant findings.
Interpretation of findings: Interpret the research findings based on the analysis conducted. Identify key themes, patterns, or trends emerging from the data. Connect the findings back to the research objectives and research questions. Consider the implications of the findings for the specific EdTech solution or context under investigation.
Draw conclusions and make recommendations: Summarize the main conclusions drawn from the research study. Evaluate the strengths and limitations of the study design and methodology. Based on the findings, provide actionable recommendations that address the research objective and contribute to the improvement or implementation of the EdTech solution.
Disseminate the results: Share the research findings, conclusions, and recommendations through appropriate channels such as research papers, reports, presentations, or workshops. Engage with relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, educators, or technology providers, to facilitate knowledge exchange and promote the adoption of evidence-based practices.

How will your organization put these outputs into action? [200-500 words recommended]

Inform EdTech solution development: The research conclusions provide valuable insights into the effectiveness, strengths, and weaknesses of existing EdTech solutions. They can guide the development and refinement of future technologies, helping to address identified gaps and improve overall outcomes. By leveraging the research conclusions, developers can focus on creating more user-friendly, pedagogically sound, and impactful EdTech tools.
Guide implementation strategies: The research conclusions offer practical recommendations and strategies for implementing evidence-based EdTech solutions in diverse educational contexts. They provide guidance on effective deployment models, necessary infrastructure, teacher training requirements, and strategies to ensure equitable access for all students. Implementing these recommendations can enhance the successful integration of technology in educational settings.
Influence policy decisions: Research conclusions can have a significant impact on shaping policies related to EdTech adoption, funding, and regulations. Policymakers can draw upon the research findings to make informed decisions about resource allocation, infrastructure development, professional development programs, and policies that support evidence-based practices in EdTech. The research conclusions provide a solid foundation for evidence-informed policymaking in the education and technology sectors.
Guide professional development for educators: Educators can benefit from the research conclusions by incorporating evidence-based practices into their teaching methodologies. The conclusions may suggest innovative instructional strategies, effective assessment methods, or approaches to personalized learning that leverage EdTech tools. Professional development programs can be designed to equip educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement evidence-based EdTech solutions effectively.
Support funding decisions: The research conclusions can be utilized to justify and support funding requests for EdTech initiatives. The evidence-based research findings provide a compelling case for investment in technology infrastructure, research and development, teacher training, and implementation support. Funding agencies and organizations can utilize the research conclusions to prioritize investments in evidence-based EdTech solutions with proven effectiveness.
Facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing: The research conclusions can serve as a basis for collaboration among researchers, educators, policymakers, and technology developers. They can foster knowledge sharing, encourage dialogue, and promote collaboration to further advance the field of evidence-based EdTech solutions. Research conclusions can be shared through conferences, publications, online platforms, and professional networks to foster a community of practice and drive collective learning.

Describe your desired short-term and long-term outcomes of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint for both your organization and solution. [200-500 words recommended]

Short-term goals:

Inform EdTech solution development: Utilize research conclusions to provide immediate feedback and insights to developers, enabling them to refine existing EdTech solutions and create new tools that address identified gaps and improve user experiences.
Guide implementation strategies: Use research conclusions to develop implementation plans and strategies that consider infrastructure requirements, training needs, and equitable access to EdTech solutions in educational settings.
Influence policy decisions: Share research conclusions with policymakers to inform immediate decisions regarding funding, regulations, and policies that support evidence-based practices in EdTech.
Guide professional development for educators: Incorporate research conclusions into professional development programs to equip educators with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively integrate evidence-based EdTech solutions into their teaching practices.

Long-term goals:

Shape the future of EdTech solution development: Influence the direction of future EdTech innovations by leveraging research conclusions to provide insights and recommendations to developers, ensuring the creation of user-centric, pedagogically sound, and impactful technologies.
Transform education policies: Drive long-term policy changes that prioritize evidence-based practices in EdTech by continuously sharing research conclusions with policymakers, advocating for funding allocations, and influencing regulations.
Foster a culture of evidence-based teaching and learning: Establish research-based practices as the norm in educational settings by integrating research conclusions into teacher training programs, encouraging educators to adopt evidence-based approaches, and promoting continuous professional development.
Facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange: Build a community of practice by sharing research conclusions widely through conferences, publications, and online platforms, fostering collaboration among researchers, educators, policymakers, and technology developers to advance the field of evidence-based EdTech solutions.
Improve learning outcomes and access to quality education: Continuously monitor the impact of evidence-based EdTech solutions and use research conclusions to refine and optimize interventions, ultimately contributing to improved learning outcomes and increased access to quality education for all learners.