Lebanese Alternative Learning

Vision

Education is a right not a privilege.

Mission

To provide learners with a transformative digital learning experience and support educators to break the cycle of inequalities in educational opportunities, build a better future and promote the change we want to see in our communities.

LAL 4 levels: 

- Tabshoura : a student-centred platform developed in-house,  designed to provide interactive digital support programs to students in Lebanon. Our platform aims to enhance students' autonomy and analytical skills from the ages of 3 to 15. We go beyond the school curriculum by offering co-curricular projects on various topics such as environment, financial literacy, art, digital skills... Our content enriched with audio-visual resources cater to students with learning disabilities and different learning styles as we strive to provide equal opportunities for all students. Through our agreement with the Center of Education Research and Development (CERD) under the Ministry of Education and Higher Education (MEHE) validates the effectiveness of our content, promoting its usage in both public and private schools.This opens doors for collaboration with educational institutions, allowing us to reach a broader student population.

- Lalmoudaress: An educators-oriented platform providing educators with blended learning pedagogy, resources, tools, tutorials, focusing among other strategies on the use of the Tabshoura-platform integrated in a blended pedagogy. This is complemented by educators capacity building trainings. 

- Digital access offline solutions: Tabshoura-in-a-box, a tiny device that is used as a server, and hotspot up to 25 devices offline. Tabshoura-off-line-App that allow the download and use of digital units anywhere, anytime. The App is also accessible from the national platform, Mawaridy, developed by CERD and downloaded on tablets distributed in public schools through MEHE. 

- Research and development: piloting our programs, collecting data, analysing them but also partnering with academics to research pedagogical innovation, like language for Math and Science, hybrid education models, impact of digital on basic literacy and numeracy youth. 

Core values

·       Diversity and Inclusion. We create a welcoming environment that embraces the differences and guaranties respect to everyone, allowing them to bring their entire, authentic selves to the work. These values are reflected in our projects and digital content.

·       Collaboration and Public Engagement. We commit to working cooperatively in establishing productive partnerships for the betterment of our organisation and the communities we serve. Through these partnerships, we strive to improve education and the quality of life for all. 

·       Openness to Change. We constantly research innovative methods and strategies to improve in every area, introducing new ideas following the principle of “innovation not imitation”. 

·       Equity: We focus on making our content adapted to the learners’ own needs and individual differences. Through our offline solutions, the learning experience becomes accessible to all, anytime, anywhere. 

·       Passion. We believe in what we do. Our drive and energy are contagious, inspiring those around us. We meet and overcome our challenges with creativity and optimism. Passion is a testimony of our engagement and dedication. With passion we seek the best and commit to it.

Chief Technology Officer

He oversees the technological aspects of the organisation's operations and initiatives and is responsible of the organisation technological needs as well as its research and development.

He develops and executes the organisation's technology strategy aligned with its mission, goals, and values. 

He examines the shot- and long-term needs of the organisation, develops procedures and uses technology to enhance products and services. 

He identifies opportunities for leveraging technology to enhance education and learning outcomes. 

He provides technical expertise and guidance to the organisation's staff, including web administrators and ITs. 

He fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in technology solutions and oversees the development of educational products, platforms and application, staying updated with the latest trends and innovations in educational technology, assessing the potential of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence or virtual reality. 

He collaborates with cross-functional teams to define product roadmaps, set development priorities, and ensure timely delivery. 

He develops technology budgets and allocate resources and monitor expenditure and ensure cost-efficient technology solutions.

He ensures compliance with relevant data protection and privacy regulations and the implementation of robust security measures to protect user data and maintain the integrity of technology systems.

During the 12-week LEAP project sprint, the team lead and supporting team members will limit their work in the office to the day to day operations and dedicate time and effort to effectively support the LEAP Project and come-up with a product ready to be piloted. 

1. The team lead plays a crucial role in coordinating and managing the team's efforts by assessing the priorities of the organisation and allocating resources accordingly. He can ensure that the necessary support, including time, budget and personnel is allocated to the LEAP project alongside other ongoing projects. He will also facilitate effective communication and collaboration among team members, aligning the efforts of the  developer and information technologist and coordinating with the web administrator to ensure a cohesive approach to the project. The team lead will also be in charge of monitoring and reporting. He will track the project's progress, identify potential risks or challenges, and provide regular updates to the organisation. He ensures that the project remains on track and aligned with the organisation's goals.
2. The developer documents the built procedure of turning a particular device, e.g. disposed mobile phones, into servers, providing alternative to raspberry Pi devices to access Tabshoura content offline and overseeing the setup and management of those servers. He will handle the integration of various systems, technologies, and applications required for the project, adapting the solution based on emerging technologies. He will continuously improve the solution by incorporating feedback that will arise from testing it and refining its performance. He can ensure the reliability, scalability, and security of the infrastructure to support the project's needs.  He will also be responsible of providing technical guidance and expertise to the team members involved in the project. He can help address any IT-related challenges, optimise system performance, and ensure that the infrastructure meets the project's requirements.
3. The Information Technologist has the main task of documenting the experience, testing the solution and ensuring its functionality, reliability, and reproducibility. She can report troubleshoot issues and any technical challenges that arise. She can ensure that the systems, tools, and applications used in the project are functioning optimally. 

The team will have the support of LAL web administrator ongoing learning in AI that can be leveraged to the project. He will be supporting in the integration of AI technologies into the data collection process. He can identify opportunities to automate tasks, enhance data analysis, or improve efficiency through AI applications. He can also ensure proper data management practices, including data collection, storage, and security. He can apply his knowledge of AI to implement effective data collection mechanisms and maintain data integrity throughout the project.

Minimise costs and waste while maximising efficiency by turning disposed mobile phones into servers running Tabshoura digital school support programs.

In the context of Lebanon, repurposing disposed mobile phones into servers  loaded with Tabshoura digital programs can solve several problems:

1. Educational Opportunities: By loading repurposed mobile phones with LAL's  digital educational programs, aligned with the school curriculum and endorsed by the Center of Educational Resources and Development of the Ministry of Education, we can expand access to learning opportunities. Our solution can facilitate distance learning, self-paced learning, and educational content dissemination, particularly in remote or underserved areas where traditional infrastructure is lacking.
2. Limited Access to Technology: Access to technology and digital resources are limited, particularly in underserved areas or among economically disadvantaged populations. Repurposing mobile phones can help bridge the digital divide by providing access to computing power and educational content.
3. Cost Constraints: Repurposing discarded mobile phones into servers giving offline access to Tabshoura mobile App to organisations or communities with limited financial resources offers a cost-effective alternative, reducing the financial burden associated with internet fees and acquiring devices to implement digital education programs.

4. Electronic Waste Management: Lebanon, like many other countries, faces challenges related to electronic waste management. Repurposing mobile phones helps divert these devices from landfills and contributes to sustainable waste management practices, aligning with environmental goals. 

5. Infrastructure Challenges: Lebanon has experienced infrastructure challenges, including power outages and limited access to stable internet connections. Repurposed mobile phones can function as servers without relying heavily on consistent power supply or high-speed internet, making them suitable for areas with infrastructure limitations.

6. Open knowledge and collaboration: By providing our mobile repurposing solution on our site and offering step-by-step guides, we will be enabling others to replicate a "Tabshoura-in-a phone" system and benefit from our work. This approach not only fosters innovation but also empowers individuals by giving them the opportunity to develop technical skills, problem-solving abilities, creative thinking and encourage them to contribute to technology-driven initiatives and serve the community of students in Lebanon. It also falls in the Right to Repair theory, advocating against barriers that deny consumers the ability to repair and modify their own consumer products.

We are developing an innovative solution called Tabshoura-in-a-phone, which allows us to repurpose old mobile phones into servers loaded with Tabshoura digital content. Instead of using Raspberry Pi devices as servers, as we did so far with Tabshoura-in-a-box, we leverage the postmarketOS platform to create an offline web server that runs on smartphones. This new solution enables us to reach students with our interactive digital school content through the use of repurposed mobile phones, reducing costs, minimising waste, and improving overall efficiency. 

By offering a low-cost solution that enables students to access digital content, we pay a special attention to learning variability and bridge the digital divide. Students now have the flexibility to study at their own convenience and progress at their own pace, place and time, allowing them to address any knowledge gaps they may have. Additionally, the inclusion of audio-visual elements in the Tabshoura programs accommodates different learning styles and supports students with minor disabilities.

To guide the process of repurposing any device, we have created a comprehensive mind map that outlines each step. The process involves four development stages and four testing stages:

Development: 

1. Collecting old mobile phones: We only need the main board of the phones and can even use phones with broken screens.

2. Disassembling the devices: We take apart the phones to assess their functionality and determine the best way to repurpose them.

3. Building the Linux Kernel: The Linux Kernel is the core program of any operating system. Instead of relying on proprietary closed operating systems used by different phone brands, we compile a customised Linux Kernel using "postmarketOS". This allows us to repurpose the phone and prevents it from becoming electronic waste.

4. Implementing LAMP: LAMP stands for Linux (the operating system), Apache (the web server), MySQL (the database server), and PHP (the programming language). These technologies are all open source and freely available. By installing LAMP on the repurposed phone, we can turn it into a web server, enabling it to mimic our Tabshoura-in-a-box.

By following these steps and utilising "postmarketOS", we can repurpose old mobile phones into functional servers, reduce waste, and create an offline web server that provides access to Tabshoura digital content. 

Testing : 

1. Identifying a pilot population: We will ask a specific number of our partners to be part of the pilot and test our Tabshoura-in-a-phone solution. 

2. Testing the solution and collecting feedback through observation and surveys. 

3. Analysing data and improving the solution.

4. Scaling it. 

As our solution is still in its conception phase, we are conducting a foundational research in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution and its technical feasibility:

-  In depth literature reviews: exploring existing studies, publications, and information related to the mobile phone life cycle and the economics of mobile phone reuse in one hand and in the second hand explore the use of mobile phones to provide education solutions in rural and underserved areas. 

- Technical feasibility investigation: gathering information about the existing technical knowledge in mobile phone repurposing for education delivery and identify successful initiatives worldwide. This includes examining the hardware requirements, compatibility, and any limitations or potential obstacles that may arise during the implementation process. 

- Cost-effectiveness study: One of the key aspects of our project is minimising costs for the community we are serving, while maximising the efficiency of our processes. We gather data and information on the cost implications of our solution compared to others. We analyse the costs associated with mobile phone disposal, the expenses involved in collecting old phones. We also research potential cost and time savings if we increase our efficiency by automating our repurposing phones process. 

- Environmental impact of repurposing mobile phones calculation: Another important aspect of our solution is its ability to minimise waste. We find data to calculate the environmental impact of repurposing mobile phones by quantifying the reduction in e-waste in Lebanon in order to highlight the sustainability and eco-friendliness of our solution.

Research plays a crucial role in our project as it helps us gain a comprehensive understanding of the existing knowledge and informs our future directions in the technological, pedagogical and economical aspects. 

On the technological side, research allows us to explore and analyse the current state of knowledge regarding repurposing mobile phones into servers to deliver education programs. We identify existing methodologies, best practices, and innovative approaches.This knowledge empowers us to make informed decisions and adopt the most effective and efficient techniques in our own work. It also helps us identify any potential challenges or limitations associated with the repurposing process, enabling us to develop strategies to overcome them. We also delve into the technical feasibility of our project and learn from other experiences led worldwide to avoid the same mistakes and build on what have been already developed. This accelerated the design of our first successful prototype. Indeed, the research provided us with the necessary information to select and utilise the postmarketOS platform, enabling us to create an offline web server that runs on smartphones. This platform has proven to be a successful solution in similar projects, and our research allows us to confidently integrate it into our own solution.Through the implementation of our research findings, we have been able to rapidly and successfully repurpose some mobile phones into functional servers. This achievement validates the viability of our solution and boosts our confidence in its effectiveness.

On the pedagogical side, and by conducting thorough research, we identify best practices, successful case studies, and potential challenges faced by others in delivering education through mobile phones, particularly in Africa where they are widely used. This knowledge yields valuable insights into the most efficient educational approaches, suitable content, and effective pedagogy that cater to mobile-based learning.

On the economic side, we research the cost-effectiveness of our project, considering various factors such as the cost of collecting old phones, the time allocated by our team for repurposing them, and the logistics involved in distributing the repurposed phones with education content. To minimise costs and enhance efficiency, firstly, we are considering partnerships with established e-waste collection initiatives to leverage their existing infrastructure for phone collection. Secondly, we aim to increase our team's efficiency by automating the repurposing process or providing detailed tutorials and guides for autonomous execution. Thirdly, we are exploring options such as distributing the repurposed phones during our regular trainings, which cover various regions in Lebanon, and collaborating with education-focused NGOs that provide support programs. Additionally, we will try to evaluate the environmental impact of our solution. By showcasing how our project reduces e-waste and promotes a circular economy, we can position ourselves as an environmentally responsible education initiative. This approach not only aligns with our sustainability goals but also helps us attract the attention and support of relevant stakeholders who prioritise environmental considerations.

Furthermore, our project will serve as a foundation for advocating the right to repair theory and promoting a digital open resources society, specifically in the context of education.

Our organisation has successfully turned Raspberry PI devices into servers and is providing schools and education centres with our digital programs offline, "the "Tabshoura-in-a-box" initiative. In the current Lebanese socio-economic crisis, we are not able to find Raspberry Pis in the country nor are we able to purchase them from abroad due to bank limitations and capital control imposed on our deposits. Therefore we started investigating the possibility of turning old phones into digital devices. Recognising the importance of strengthening the evidence base of our new offline solution, we want to collect robust data and research findings to demonstrate the effectiveness and impact of our project in order to improve its scalability and replicability. Engaging now allows us to capitalise on environmental urgency, technological advancements, and the increasing demand for cost-effective and sustainable solutions in education and resource optimisation. We will focus on:

1. Validation and Credibility: Building a strong evidence base adds credibility to our solution. By conducting rigorous research, collecting data, and analysing the outcomes, we can demonstrate the efficacy and value of repurposing disposed mobile phones into servers. 

2. Impact Assessment: By strengthening the evidence base, we can evaluate the outcomes and impact of the LEAP Project on various aspects, such as cost reduction, waste minimisation, educational access, and environmental sustainability. 

3. Scalability and Replicability: To expand tour project, it is essential to have a solid evidence base that supports its scalability and replicability. We will document each step. This can facilitate the replication of the solution in different locations and enable its widespread adoption.

4. Learning and Continuous Improvement: Strengthening the evidence base allows us to gather insights and learn from the implementation of the LEAP Project. By analysing data and research findings, we can identify strengths, weaknesses, challenges, and areas for improvement. This knowledge enables us to refine the solution, optimise its impact, and enhance its long-term sustainability.

Why now is the right time to engage in the LEAP Project:

1. Access to Education: Access to education remains a challenge for many communities in Lebanon, and the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the socio-economic crisis have further highlighted the importance of digital learning. We can provide an alternative, cost-effective solution to enhance educational access, especially in underserved areas or among economically disadvantaged populations.

2. Technological Advancements: Rapid advancements in technology, including AI integration and mobile computing capabilities, make it an opportune time to explore innovative solutions like repurposing mobile phones. Leveraging these advancements can enhance the efficiency, performance, and potentialy impact of the LEAP Project.

3. Cost Efficiency and Resource Optimisation: Organisations are increasingly seeking cost-effective and sustainable solutions. The LEAP Project aligns with these objectives by minimising costs, maximising efficiency, and repurposing existing resources. Engaging in the project now can address these needs and potentially attract support from organisations looking for innovative approaches to cost management.

4. Environmental Urgency: E-waste is a pressing environmental issue, and repurposing disposed mobile phones into servers and mobile computers offers a sustainable solution. 

Our research questions aim to evaluate the effectiveness, impact, and sustainability of the LEAP Project, providing valuable insights into its cost-effectiveness, educational benefits, and environmental implications.

1. What is the impact of the LEAP Project on educational access and digital inclusion, particularly among underserved communities or economically disadvantaged populations.

2.  How does repurposing disposed mobile phones into servers  contribute to cost reduction and waste minimisation in comparison to traditional computing infrastructure?

3. How does the utilisation of repurposed mobile phones as servers affect energy consumption and environmental sustainability compared to traditional computing solutions?

The output of the project involves repurposing disposed mobile phones into servers loaded with Tabshoura digital content. 
During the 12-week LEAP Project sprint, given the limited timeframe of the project and the involvement of approximately 4 LEAP Fellows working 6-10 hours per week, our desired outputs would focus on

- Research recommendations, guidance, and strategies: based on existing research and studies related to repurposing mobile phones into servers, best practices and case studies from similar initiatives to provide insights and guidance on effective approaches, challenges faced, and lessons learned, financial analysis on cost-benefit of repurposing mobile phones and Environmental Impact assessment. 

- Repurposed Mobile Phone: The main output of your project is the transformation of discarded mobile phones into functional servers or computers equipped with the necessary software and applications to provide individuals with access to educational content and digital resources.

- Tabshoura Digital Content: As part of your project, the Tabshoura digital content will be loaded onto the repurposed mobile phones and servers. This content will be made available for users to access and benefit from.

- Replication guide: This guide will provide step-by-step instructions, recommendations, and resources for individuals or organisations interested in implementing a similar solution, even with limited resources and time.

- Outreach Strategy: outlining the target audience, key messaging, communication channels, and engagement tactics to raise awareness, attract support, and promote replication.

- Evaluation Framework: To assess the effectiveness and impact of our solution. This framework will outline key performance indicators, data collection methods, and analysis approaches to measure the outcomes and gather insights for future improvements.

- Dissemination Materials: Creating dissemination materials, such as infographics, presentations, and reports to distill the key findings, benefits, and recommendations of our LEAP Project, enabling effective communication and knowledge sharing with stakeholders and potential collaborators.

Based on the generated outputs, the organisation set an action plan:

- Research recommendations, guidance, and strategies: The research recommendations, guidance, and strategies produced by our LEAP Fellows will serve as a valuable resource for our organisation and the wider community. We will incorporate these findings into our internal processes and decision-making to strengthen the evidence base of our solution. Additionally, we will make these materials publicly available on our website and share them with relevant stakeholders, educational institutions, and technology communities. By disseminating this knowledge, we aim to inspire and empower others to adopt similar approaches and contribute to the field of repurposing mobile phones.

- Repurposed Mobile Phones and Tabshoura Digital Content: The main output of our project, the repurposed mobile phones loaded with Tabshoura digital content, will be put into action by distributing them to target communities. We will work closely with local partners and organisations to identify areas where these resources can have the greatest impact. By providing individuals with access to educational content and resources, we aim to bridge the digital divide and enhance learning opportunities for underserved populations.

- Replication Guide: The replication guide created during the LEAP Project will be a valuable resource for individuals or organisations interested in implementing a similar solution. We will make this guide freely available on our website and share it with relevant stakeholders. Additionally, we will offer support and consultation to those seeking to replicate our solution, providing guidance and resources to facilitate their implementation process. By empowering others to adopt and adapt our approach, we aim to amplify the impact and promote the scalability of our solution.

- Outreach Strategy: The outreach strategy developed during the LEAP Project will guide our organisation in raising awareness, attracting support, and promoting the replication of our solution. We will utilise the outlined target audience, key messaging, communication channels, and engagement tactics to effectively reach our intended stakeholders. This may include conducting online campaigns, organising workshops or webinars, and establishing partnerships with educational institutions, and community organisations. 

- Evaluation Framework: The evaluation framework created through the LEAP Project will be instrumental in assessing the effectiveness and impact of our solution. We will integrate this framework into our monitoring and evaluation processes to measure key performance indicators and collect relevant data. The insights gained from this evaluation will inform future improvements and allow us to demonstrate the value and impact of our solution to stakeholders and potential funders. 

- Dissemination Materials: The dissemination materials developed as part of the LEAP Project, including infographics, presentations, and reports, will be utilised to effectively communicate the key findings, benefits, and recommendations of our project. These materials will be shared through various channels, such as our website, social media platforms, and presentations at relevant events. 

During the 12-week LEAP Project sprint, our organization envisions achieving several short-term and long-term outcomes for both our organization and our solution.

Short-term outcomes for our organisation:

1. Enhanced knowledge base: Through the research recommendations, guidance, and strategies produced during the LEAP Project, our organisation will have a deeper understanding of the repurposing process of mobile phones into servers. 

2. Strengthened partnerships: Engaging with LEAP Fellows and collaborating with the wider LEAP community will foster valuable partnerships. These connections will provide opportunities for knowledge sharing, learning from others' experiences, and potentially identifying areas for future collaboration.

3. Refined outreach strategy: The development of an outreach strategy during the LEAP Project will allow us to effectively communicate our solution and attract support. By refining our target audience, key messaging, communication channels, and engagement tactics, we can maximize the reach and impact of our solution.

4. Improved evaluation framework: The creation of an evaluation framework will provide us with a structured approach to measure the effectiveness and impact of our solution. By establishing key performance indicators and data collection methods, we will be able to assess the outcomes and gather valuable insights to guide future improvements.

Short-term outcomes for our solution:

1. Repurposed mobile phones in action: Through the LEAP Project, we aim to transform a significant number of discarded mobile phones into functional servers loaded with Tabshoura digital content. Achieving this outcome will result in immediate tangible impact, providing individuals with access to educational resources and bridging the digital divide.

2. Knowledge sharing and replication: The development of a replication guide and dissemination materials will facilitate knowledge sharing and replication of our solution. By making these resources available, we empower other individuals and organizations to adopt and adapt our approach, amplifying the impact beyond our immediate reach.

Long-term outcomes for our organization and solution:

1. Sustainable and scalable solution: By successfully repurposing mobile phones into servers and establishing an efficient process, our organization aims to create a sustainable solution that can be replicated and scaled in various communities. This long-term outcome will contribute to reducing e-waste, promoting digital inclusivity, and enhancing access to educational resources.

2. Increased educational opportunities: Through the repurposed mobile phones loaded with Tabshoura digital content, we strive to provide individuals, particularly those in underserved communities, with greater access to educational materials. This long-term outcome will contribute to narrowing the educational gap and empowering individuals to acquire knowledge and skills.

3. Recognition and support: As our solution demonstrates its effectiveness and impact, we anticipate increased recognition and support from municipalities, educational institutions, and relevant stakeholders. This long-term outcome will facilitate partnerships, funding opportunities, and policy advocacy, further advancing our mission of leveraging technology for education.