EdTech Interventions for Deaf Learners Sandbox
End of Sprint 1
What did we do?
We provided low-cost, offline laptops to 225 deaf learners across various locations in Pakistan, with 56 short video stories in Pakistan sign language (PSL) uploaded.
Over one month, we wanted to test that the laptops would remain safe (without loss or damage), and that children would be able to adapt (engage with and study content regularly) to digital/ distance/ non facilitated learning (engage with and study content regularly). Our minimum proofs, metrics by which we would know our test was a success), were:
- At least 90% of laptops distributed are functional
- Children reported using the laptops at least 4 days a week
- Students will retain at least 70% of their learning while out-of-school
What did we learn?
To get data, we carried out surveys, Interviews, short written pre- and post- tests, and surveys (more under section 2), with insights on data collection under section 4).
A summary of learning is under section 5. Topline figures:
- Children showed significant learning gains, with a baseline 68% improvement in scores (see section 3.1).
- Most students engaged 4-days a week, although more with the digital stories than the worksheets (see section 3.2).
- 95% of laptops were returned as before after 1 month, and 85% of users self-reported as finding the content easy to navigate (see section 3.3).
- 87% of parents supported their child (see section 3.4)
How does this affect what we do next?
Sprint 1 validated the safety of laptops, and that children would adapt and engage with content at home.
In Sprint 2, we will (see section 5.3):
- Provide more content for children to engage with. Subjects include: English, Mathematics, Science and Urdu.
- Introduce connectivity to enable the children and parents to engage with teachers twice a week, to test whether this increases parent capacity and child engagement.
