For the past two years AfriConnect, in partnership with the Ministry of Education, have been trialling a project aimed at bringing web-based eLearning to schools in different parts of the country (rural, urban, high-density). Some 20 schools have been provided with free or low-cost connectivity, plus teacher training and support. A large website of free learning materials has been built, based on the Zambian curriculum. The project is now moving to the next phase with more schools and with a more detailed study undertaken of how teaching and learning can be improved, and what inputs are needed. The objective is to move from more traditional ‘chalk and talk’ pedagogies to inquiry-based learning, at the same time as bringing the option of lifelong learning for people who have already left school (as most children have done after the primary stage). 

Intel have generously committed to provide teacher training, through their Teach programme, and science-based web eLearning content, fully contextualised. Cambridge University and the University of Zambia will be undertaking the educational research. Partners and funders, to support individual schools and project components, are sought as the project continues, the final objective being a nationwide roll-out.

Website: www.ischool.zm