Approach
Teaching methodology - Blended learning
We used a blended learning approach, as part of the drive to making the centres effective and self-sustaining. This involved structured lessons combining video of a virtual teacher/class, computer exercises, peer-group exercises and a teaching facilitator to deliver training. Teaching quality could go up because we could afford a good virtual teacher, since the videos were to be used thousands of times over. Conversely, the teaching facilitator only needed to be a couple of levels ahead of the students.
This sort of approach is being employed successfully elsewhere. However, courses need to be developed that work for this section of the population.
Merja and Richard ran two courses in rural Indian, and found the approach very effective as far as we could monitor it over the two four-week trials. See a couple of clips of video here, that we showed to a class to test how they would follow along with the virtual class in the video.
We have close connection with a new Indian government funded university that was planning to accredit our courses, bettering job and further education opportunities.
Net-generation computer applications!
It is possible to use the new tools appearing on computers, mobile devices and the Internet to teach computer and language skills.
The English training videos are in some ways like video tutorials you can find on YouTube. Internet chat can help develop language skills and blogging can be turned into a group writing exercise that will be undertaken with great attention to detail.
Free open source software can be used effectively. e.g. Sound recording and playback software to practice pronunciation, and word processor revision features to do peer writing correction.
The virtual classroom videos have a similar "glueing" effect to reality TV programmes! The students are drawn right into the classroom experience though it's virtual.
In addition, we are using a "classroom management system" to deliver the course materials. This same system, called Moodle, is also being used by the Open University. Best of all, the software is free.
There are many possibilities to take advantage of new technology to enhance English learning, whilst also developing familiarity with computers and having lots of fun.
Technology
Switched On naturally has strong a technical competency (as you'd expect with a name like that, surely?). Therefore we were able to install and manage computer systems that saved money by using Open Source software and efficient technical infrastructure. We implemented the system depicted in the following diagram in the slum school, though we will also have some Microsoft systems so the children and youth can become accustomed to what is used commonly in businesses. Having said this, the Open Source software is in fact very similar and gives all the basic grounding that is needed, and much more.
The Switched On approach saved an estimated 50% of the cost of hardware and software used in traditional classroom computer systems.
Server - Runs up-to-date, high quality open source* programs for all users based on the popular Linux operating system. This booklet was produced using open source software that we will make available through Project Classroom, using graphical applications that cost hundreds of pounds commercially. This is more ethical than using commercial software that is beyond the means of and usually "pirated" by locals.
* Open Source is bolstered by heavy investment from major IT companies such as Sun Microsystems, IBM and Hewlett-Packard.
Peripherals & Network - Integrated into system by Switched On.
Internet connection - provided by Switched On or beneficiaries. Allows access to educational materials. Filtered to prevent access to unsuitable material.
Switched On Support Team - can connect to systems and fix problems across the Internet.
Thin Clients - Low specification "dumb terminals." Appears to each user that they are running own computer. Could be 30+ thin clients per single server. Could use old computers provided by the beneficiaries themselves (empowerment). Old computers and low power = environmentally friendly.
Switched On will work with beneficiaries to ensure the environment is suitable - e.g. helping provide air conditioning in hot countries. We will help find, train and possibly sponsor local technical support & teachers.