NairoBits finds powerful ways of utilising social media platforms during COVID-19
NairoBits Trust is an organisation based in Kenya, it introduces young people from low income, marginalised communities to the world of Information and Communication Technology.
With the aim to enhancing their chances of employment, the organisation applies a holistic training approach, bringing together ICT, reproductive health rights, life and entrepreneurial skills. The organisation works collaboratively with partners such as:
- Community-based organisations who host their centres and assist in recruitment and support of students
- Business partners that employ young people through internships
Nairobits has seven satellite centres across various regions in Nairobi. It receives financial support from the community and donors.
At the onset of the COVID-19 lockdown, the organisation had just begun a training cycle. It had to promptly devise innovative ways to sustain learning for 153 learners.
NairoBits realised that the solution would need to be digital, and therefore a survey was done to determine the extent and quality of Internet access available to their students for remote learning. The outcome revealed some challenges:
- Out of 187 students, only 5% had access to a computer. Almost all students had access to a smartphone belonging to a family member, but during evenings only;
- The general quality of smartphones was poor;
- Students were experiencing a sense of despair due lockdown and its effect on their lives.
- High costs of internet
A rapid innovation process drawing insights from the research proposed WhatsApp learning, a cost-effective, easily accessible social media platform. Steps were taken to set up the training, taking into account the above challenges. Courses that were offered online included: job preparedness, life skills, mental health, sexual and reproductive health.
The following learning processes were developed:
- Each class was allocated a trainer and a Whatsapp group that met twice weekly
- A tracking system and tools to track how students were coping
- Learning methods were adapted to suit the medium, making maximum and creative use of voice and video functions
- Chat function enabled interaction with students through questioning
- Posters displaying lesson content were designed and posted;
- Challenges to covering ICT content on social media platforms, were overcome by inviting guests to talk about ICT related topics
- For Job Preparedness, the organisation introduced innovative ways of preparing students for job interviews. WhatsApp video was used by students to produce ‘mock’ interviews, which were assessed. Gaps were identified, feedback was given, and relevant guidelines were written for inclusion into future programmes.
- Performance on interviews was incentivised; the top two students were selected as interns to work on a project to design a virtual hub
- WhatsApp was effectively used as a medium of instruction
- NairoBits was forced to adopt ways of transferring skills in the absence of classroom training. In so doing, they discovered creative and effective learning methodologies.
- Student involvement was high. The Media lab group (30 students at final level) achieved 100% attendance
- Unexpectedly, a company called Eduplus, a long-term partner to NairoBits, took on 10 students, with interviews being conducted on WhatsApp.
Challenges
The key challenge now is how to conduct ICT skills training. There are a number of related challenges:
- Low access to digital devices such as laptops & computers which is a key requirement for this training
- It is structured progressively at three levels and each level is presented in a different venue. This set of circumstances has presented travel related issues and will continue to do so, therefore new methods are required
- Software needs to be developed to accommodate remote learning. This involves cost and funding
- Securing laptops for purchase at a reasonable cost for disadvantaged young people
Success factors
The COVID pandemic has resulted in all access to traditional methods of learning being halted, bringing into sharp focus the need for alternative methods. Key insights emerged that are likely to inform how learning will happen in the future:
- Although the lockdown brought with it a sense of despondency, the organisation found strength and will to push on to a solution;
- The use of technology fostered better two-way engagement with students. Through this feedback loop, the organisation was provided with student needs related data, the content of which has been documented, can be reviewed and added to the curriculum;
- Girls participation in online learning has improved
- With the knowledge that learning is unlikely to ever be the same, the organisation is looking to a future that includes online ICT training;
- Young people are resourceful and resilient when they have supportive structures, guidance, positive role models and opportunities to explore their own potential and succeed
Moving Forward
This big shift in thinking has spurred on the following actions:
Online curriculum readiness:
- NairoBits is part of a larger group of Bits Schools called “We are Bits”. Trainer training is anchored online, thus enabling replication across a number of countries. Trainers go through online training, are assessed and qualify to be Bits trainers. The organisation will borrow heavily from this approach to design online learning
- Software is under development to enable this approach
Student access to learning:
- Currently mapping out cyber cafes in communities to utilise for student access
- Accessing packages where students can purchase refurbished laptops on flexible repayment terms
Classroom learning:
- To achieve best student reach, classroom training will continue in ways that accommodate social distancing protocols