School Children in Malawi to Evaluate Tablet-based Learning
London (PRWEB UK) 3 October 2013 -- The eight-week study, launched on 16th September, will evaluate the learning progress of 400 children from Standards 1-4 using iPad tablets as part of the academic curriculum. On alternate days, 100 children will spend an hour using either red tablets with EuroTalk’s Masamu maths apps or blue tablets with a set of non-maths apps.
The series of carefully constructed Masamu apps teach the core maths curriculum in Chichewa, the predominant language of Malawi.
The results of the study will be published in 2014, in a detailed report comparing the learning outcomes of the two groups, as well as a control group that received standard classroom teaching, without the aid of tablets.
Dr Nicola Pitchford of the University of Nottingham, who will publish the report commented, "I believe the rigorous evaluation of educational programmes is critical to both teachers and students. It tells us if an intervention works and, just as importantly, why it works."
EuroTalk representatives, led by managing director Andrew Ashe, will be working alongside the University of Nottingham, a volunteer from Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) and officials from Biwi Primary School, to monitor the students’ progress and assess changes in the two participant groups.
"This study will help us identify why some children learn quickly while others struggle," continued Dr Pitchford.
"If we are able to pinpoint these potential learning pitfalls, it will help teachers assign the most effective learning tools to children most in need of help."
The study is part of EuroTalk’s on-going effort to improve basic education for two million young Malawians, and then to expand to other countries across the world. The company’s vision is to reach one billion children, giving them a brighter future through education.
EuroTalk representatives recently visited Biwi Primary School to register the children taking part in the evaluation. This required testing of their basic maths, memory and motor skills, as well as discussing children’s aspirations and attitudes towards school. Photos from this visit can be viewed on EuroTalk’s blog.
About EuroTalk
EuroTalk is a publisher of educational software based in South West London. Established in 1991, the company is best known for its range of language learning software in over 130 languages, which has been used by more than 20 million people worldwide.
Liz Dyer, EuroTalk, http://eurotalk.com, +44 2073717711, [email protected]
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