What is eTeecha
eTeecha is an offline AI teaching device designed for under-resourced and marginalized communities.
eTeecha Mission
eTeecha mission is to ensure that every teacher and student, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to benefit from AI technology in education.
Key Features
- 3D Printable: Easily accessible and customizable for local needs.
- Cost-Effective: Priced under $500, making it affordable for schools.
- Trained on Kenyan CBC: Aligns with local educational standards to enhance learning.
Benefits for Teachers
eTeecha supports teachers by providing new skills and access to valuable training materials and tools, enhancing their teaching effectiveness and professional development.
Benefits for Students
eTeecha is designed for multi-group collaboration, fostering teamwork, peer review, and critical thinking skills among students.
Hands-On Learning Experience
eTeecha is a DIY kit that allows students to learn how to build, train, and improve the device. This hands-on approach engages students with AI and IoT concepts, promoting innovation and technical skills.
eTeecha is an open-source, solar-powered offline AI teaching device designed to address the educational crisis in underserved communities. It facilitates collaborative discussions among students and equips teachers with essential upskilling resources.- Innovative Technology: eTeecha leverages localized artificial intelligence to provide high-quality educational content tailored to the Kenyan Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). This ensures relevance and alignment with national educational standards.
- Accessibility: By operating offline and being solar-powered, eTeecha can function in areas with unreliable electricity and limited internet access. This feature is crucial for reaching remote communities where traditional teaching methods are impractical.
- Collaborative Learning Environment: eTeecha promotes group learning by enabling multi-student interactions, fostering teamwork, critical thinking, and peer-to-peer learning. Research shows that collaborative learning can enhance student engagement and understanding (Johnson et al., 2014).Citations:- Johnson, D. W., Johnson, R. T., & Smith, K. A. (2014). Cooperative Learning: Improving University Instruction by Basing Practice on Validated Theory. Journal on Excellence in College Teaching, 25(3), 85-118.
eTeecha aims to enable AI for all by equipping and upskilling teachers with essential resources while ensuring that every student has the opportunity to benefit from AI technology in education.- Addressing Teacher Shortages: Kenya faces a significant teacher shortage, with over 100,000 educators needed to meet demand (World Bank, 2020). eTeecha provides a scalable solution that allows teachers to manage larger groups effectively, alleviating some pressure from the existing workforce.
- Equitable Access to Education: By focusing on marginalized communities, eTeecha ensures that students who are often left behind can access quality educational resources. This initiative aligns with UNESCO's goal of achieving inclusive education for all (UNESCO, 2015).
- Empowering Educators: eTeecha not only benefits students but also empowers teachers by providing them with training and resources that enhance their teaching effectiveness. Studies indicate that well-supported teachers are more likely to improve student outcomes (Darling-Hammond et al., 2017).Citations:- World Bank. (2020). World Development Report 2018: Learning to Realize Education's Promise. Retrieved from https://www.worldbank.org/en/publication/wdr2018
- UNESCO. (2015). Education for All 2000-2015: Achievements and Challenges. Retrieved from https://unesdoc.unesco.org/ark:/48223/pf0000232205
- Darling-Hammond, L., Hyler, M. E., & Gardner, M. (2017). Effective Teacher Professional Development. Palo Alto: Learning Policy Institute.
eTeecha incorporates several key features that enhance its effectiveness as an educational tool:- 3D Printable Design: The device can be locally produced using affordable materials, making it customizable for specific community needs. This approach promotes local innovation and reduces costs associated with importing technology.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Priced under $500, eTeecha is accessible for schools operating on tight budgets. This affordability allows more institutions to adopt advanced teaching tools without financial strain.
- Alignment with Kenyan CBC: By being specifically designed around the Kenyan Competency-Based Curriculum, eTeecha ensures that it meets local educational standards and effectively supports teachers in delivering relevant content.Supporting Evidence:
Research indicates that localized production of educational tools can significantly improve accessibility and engagement in low-resource settings (Kozma & Anderson, 2002).Citations:- Kozma, R. B., & Anderson, R. E. (2002). Technology, Innovation, and Educational Change: A Global Perspective. E-Learn: World Conference on E-Learning in Corporate, Government, Healthcare, and Higher Education, 1(1), 1-6.
eTeecha serves as a valuable resource for teachers by providing:- Access to Upskilling Resources: Teachers receive training modules and instructional strategies tailored to local contexts, enhancing their teaching practices and effectiveness.
- Reduced Lesson Planning Time: By utilizing eTeecha for lesson delivery, teachers can focus more on personalized instruction rather than spending excessive time on planning.
- Supportive Teaching Environment: The device helps identify individual student strengths and weaknesses through data analytics, enabling targeted interventions that enhance overall academic performance.Supporting Evidence:
Research indicates that professional development programs significantly improve teacher effectiveness when they are sustained and focused on specific content areas (Garet et al., 2001).Citations:- Garet, M. S., Porter, A. C., Desimone, L., Birman, B. F., & Yoon, K. S. (2001). What Makes Professional Development Effective? Results from a National Sample of Teachers. American Educational Research Journal, 38(4), 915–945.
eTeecha empowers students by creating an environment conducive to collaborative learning:- Enhanced Engagement: The device encourages active participation through group discussions and interactive lessons. Studies show that student engagement is linked to improved academic performance (Fredricks et al., 2004).
- Development of Critical Skills: By fostering teamwork and peer review among students, eTeecha helps develop essential skills such as communication and problem-solving—skills vital for success in today’s workforce.
- Increased Learning Opportunities: With the ability to facilitate group learning sessions for up to 40 students at a time, eTeecha maximizes learning opportunities even in resource-constrained environments.Citations:- Fredricks, J. A., Blumenfeld, P. C., & Paris, A. H. (2004). School Engagement: Potential of the Concept, State of the Evidence. Review of Educational Research, 74(1), 59–109.
As a DIY kit, eTeecha encourages students to actively engage in its assembly and operation:- Active Participation: Students learn how to build and operate the device themselves, which enhances their understanding of technology principles such as AI and IoT.
- Fostering Innovation: This hands-on experience promotes creativity and critical thinking as students troubleshoot issues during assembly or operation.
- Ownership of Learning: Engaging with a product they help build empowers students to take charge of their educational journey.Supporting Evidence:
Studies have shown that hands-on learning experiences significantly enhance student motivation and retention of knowledge (Hattie & Donoghue, 2016).Citations:- Hattie, J., & Donoghue, G. M. (2016). Learning Strategies: A Synthesis and Conceptual Model. Educational Psychology Review, 28(1), 12–21.