Ghana Pursues Collaboration with TECHAiDE for Enhancing Coding Instruction through Portable Learning Management System
In a groundbreaking development, Ghana's Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation is exploring a partnership with local tech company TECHAiDE to enhance the country's educational landscape, particularly within the framework of the One Million Coders Program.
At the heart of this collaboration is the portable "Asanka" device, a wireless learning tool designed to overcome internet access barriers commonly encountered in rural Ghana. Consuming only 5 watts and powered by a USB charger, power bank, or solar panel, the Asanka device provides offline access to digital learning content, addressing challenges related to unreliable internet connectivity and high data costs.
The Minister of Communication has shown strong interest in working with TECHAiDE to scale the government initiative, which aims to equip one million Ghanaians with coding and digital skills critical to the country's tech-driven future. The partnership aims to leverage TECHAiDE’s technological solutions, like the Asanka device, to make coding education more accessible and engaging.
The Asanka device operates without internet access, with users connecting to it via Wi-Fi. Its adoption could simplify coding training access, eliminating the need for internet data plans, particularly relevant given rising internet service costs in Ghana.
Alongside the Asanka device, the government is also exploring partnerships with platforms like TikTok to deliver STEM educational content to a broader audience, making learning more accessible and appealing to youth across Ghana. The combined use of devices like Asanka and social media platforms can drive digital literacy from the grassroots level.
By integrating the Asanka device into the One Million Coders program, the collaboration targets the digital divide between urban and rural learners, ensuring equitable access to coding education and digital technology innovation. This aligns with the government's broader agenda to democratize digital skills and innovation nationwide.
TECHAiDE is planning a pilot project to test and refine its solution for broader adoption and integration into school programs. A meeting with telecom operators is scheduled for May 30 to address the issue of internet costs. The potential collaboration includes the construction of computer labs equipped with the Asanka device.
However, access to compatible equipment, particularly in Ghana's rural areas, could be a potential barrier to the widespread rollout and utilization of the solution. The minister believes the Asanka device, a locally developed offline Learning Management System (LMS), could aid in training one million coders over four years. The device offers a broad spectrum of content, including Ghanaian school curricula, Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) topics, educational websites, videos, e-books, UNESCO educational resources, and interactive games.
The collaboration between the Ministry and TECHAiDE remains in an exploratory phase, with no formal agreement signed or announced. If successful, this partnership could significantly impact education in Ghana and the One Million Coders Program, fostering inclusive participation in Ghana's digital economy and innovation ecosystem.
The Minister's interest in partnering with TECHAiDE is driven by the potential of their technological solutions, such as the Asanka device, to revolutionize coding education and self-development within Ghana's digital landscape, particularly in the context of the One Million Coders Program. The Asanka device, designed to address internet access barriers in rural areas, could democratize digital skills and innovation nationwide by offering offline access to digital learning content.
