WE ARE LIVE! Now accepting applications for the new “EdTech Evidence for Entrepreneurs” Course from EdTech Hub

In sub-Saharan Africa, there is no shortage of new technology in the education sector. There is also a substantial global body of research on the science of learning. However, it is not often that we see where the two intersect: many EdTech developers don’t apply what we know about how children learn to the design of their products.

We believe there are three main reasons for this: 

1. the research is, in many ways, inaccessible to EdTech entrepreneurs;
2. there are inadequate incentives for entrepreneurs to incorporate evidence into the development of their products, and;
3. a lack of hands-on support for applying that evidence. 

Furthermore, guidance on the science of learning is often packaged in highly academic and complex formats, making it difficult to decipher the design implications for EdTech product development. This means that EdTech products are often not evidence-based.

This is why, after nearly a year in development, we’re excited to announce a new online course specifically for entrepreneurs and innovators of EdTech products aiming to leverage the best available evidence to improve teaching and learning outcomes in Africa.

EdTech Evidence for Entrepreneurs is a selective, cohort-based course that will help EdTech entrepreneurs bring evidence to the development of their products, and help EdTech developers apply research on how children learn, what good teaching looks like, and how products should be designed with users in mind.

We are offering this course via two models:  the hands-on, interactive cohort model, and a self-guided model. Both versions are FREE, and applications for the first cohort (with an Eastern Africa focus) are being accepted until 21 August. 

Who is this course for? 

This course is for you if:

• You are an Africa-based entrepreneur or innovator who wants to bring more research on teaching and learning to your EdTech product design and are eager to demonstrate how your product builds on the best available evidence.

• You are developing or have developed an EdTech product or service for primary-level teachers and learners in sub-Saharan Africa. 
• You might also have your own company or work inside an organisation where you lead the EdTech product or service development. 
• You have professional proficiency in English (written and spoken). 
• You are eager and available to actively participate in the course with peers and experts for 5–10 hours per week during the six-week session for your region. 

The course is delivered by EdTech Hub and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Jacobs Foundation, and UKAid; it was user-tested at the recent eLearning Africa conference in Kigali, Rwanda. 

What’s in it for course participants?

The course seeks to deliver practical and rigorous training through engaging video and text content, personalised coaching sessions, peer-to-peer learning, live masterclasses with EdTech experts, and more. Entrepreneurs and innovators can use the course to give their products the best chance at making measurable change for students, teachers, and education systems in sub-Saharan Africa. 

Additionally, entrepreneurs selected to join the course will receive a certificate of recognition on the successful completion of the course and be eligible for a monetary award to go towards supporting the evidence-building and capacity development for their EdTech product.

Applications to the first cohort which begins on 26 September 2022 are now open. This cohort will be engaging developers from East African countries. Subsequent cohorts will focus on additional African regions namely, Western Africa (January–February 2023) and Southern Africa (March–April 2023).

Recently, we sent out a call for people to express interest by joining a preview list. Even if you have not done so, you still have a chance to be part of the course list. Click here to join our mailing list and be the first to know more about the course.

For those who are not EdTech entrepreneurs but are supportive of the community, you can still join the list and keep up to date on the course progress.  Please also share this opportunity with your colleagues who are creating the next generation of EdTech opportunities for learners. 

Sounds Interesting? Apply Now!