About the event

Around the world, governments, private sector and civil society are developing digital platforms for learning. In doing so, two main trends have emerged: either a platform is developed from scratch (which can be costly) or an off-the-shelf solution that doesn’t quite meet contextual needs is used.

But what if there was a middle-way?

In this workshop, we’ll share insights from EdTech Hub’s research on using ‘building blocks’ – modular, open-source tools – to develop education platforms in Sub-Saharan Africa. You’ll learn how to evaluate if building blocks are right for you, and the critical questions to ask along the way.

This workshop is ideal for donors, decision-makers in government, software developers or consultants involved in the development of a virtual learning environment (VLE) or education management information system (EMIS).

Event Breakdown:

The event will start with Key Insights from EdTech Hub’s research on building blocks from co-authors Taskeen Adam and Yomna El-Serafy. Questions will include:

• What are building blocks and how can education systems potentially benefit from them?
• How can different stakeholders work together to design, implement, and maintain digital education platforms using building blocks?
•  What considerations need to be taken into account to determine a country’s readiness to use digital platform building blocks effectively?

Next, Mike Trucano, World Bank’s Senior Education & Technology Policy Specialist and Global Lead for Innovation in Education, will share his reflections on building blocks and how the concept can be utilised further in the World Bank’s work.

Finally, Shankar Maruwada, CEO and Co-founder of EkStep Foundation will share practical examples of how building blocks have been used in India.

You’ll also get a chance to brainstorm with other attendees in break-out groups about how building blocks could be utilised in your context, before we conclude the workshop with some useful take-aways and tips.