iMpower, an initiative by the M3M Foundation, is dedicated to iMpowering migrant journeys. This holistic development program focuses on equipping migrant workers, their children, and families with essential resources to enhance their capabilities. Operated by Aide et Action, iMpower clubs offer educational, health, and nutritional assistance to the children of construction laborers. Given the transient nature of their parents' employment, these children often accompany them to work, making such support crucial for their well-being and development.
Recently, iDream Education implemented its assessment-driven adaptive learning solution, iPrep PAL, and iPrep Digital Class at 8 iMpower Clubs. This is enabled as a part of a collaboration between Aide et Action Asia and M3M Foundation through iMpower clubs.
Students at iMpower Clubs, are children of construction workers who keep migrating from one place to another for work. Their children frequently relocate with their parents, hindering their school enrollment and continuity of education. Their transient lifestyle breaks the learning cycle of these learners and intensifies their learning gaps leading to Incremental learning gaps in them.
Some Challenges in Promoting These Children to Grade-Level Proficiency at iMpower Clubs
The coordinators and facilitators at iMpower clubs are dedicated to promoting consistency and facilitating age-appropriate learning experiences for students. Nevertheless, they face considerable challenges due to the diverse learning levels of children across different age groups. As expressed by their team, "We work with children of all ages and attempt to engage them collectively in learning activities. However, due to the considerable gap in their learning levels, even students of the same age exhibit varying levels of proficiency. This makes it challenging to tailor our teaching methods to their individual needs, thus, we end up wasting a lot of time."
Furthermore, the team highlights the heartbreaking scenario where they invest considerable effort in preparing students for enrollment in new academic sessions, only to discover that they are migrating to another location. This situation often leaves bright students with incremental learning gaps due to discontinuity in their education caused by a lack of awareness and personal circumstances.
Steps taken to enrich the learning journeys of these Children: Tablet based personalized learning
M3M Foundation has been seamlessly integrating educational technology in its programmes in partnership with iDream Education. In 2022, they introduced tablet-based digital libraries, which have seen consistent usage by students. Some students have begun cultivating reading habits, while others enjoy engaging with interactive lessons, and some prefer practicing through grade-wise content. EdTech solutions at the clubs have started rekindling students' interest in learning. One of the examples of this is activities organised by coordinators at iMpower clubs with iPrep. They tend to engage students in learning through reading sessions with iPrep on Tablets. This is enhancing student's participation in reading inspirational biographies, stories, poems, and more.
Highlights of usage of iPrep on Tablets till March 2024
- On average, iPrep on tablets in a digital library implemented in 2022 is utilized for 757 hours over 190 days at the center. When examining usage by subject, the highest usage is observed in Math for 335 hours, followed closely by Hindi Literature for 313 hours, environmental science for 29 hours, and science for 14 hours, among others.
- It was found that the majority of students dedicate their time to learning through video lessons, totaling over 364+ hours, followed by practicing for more than 313 hours. Additionally, students spend approximately 64 hours studying from syllabus books, with the remaining time allocated to video practicals, activity videos, and other resources.
The data underscores the significant involvement of students in learning with iPrep. Students found digital content on iPrep engaging, as evidenced by their enthusiastic engagement with video lessons, practice sessions, and interactive lessons.
With the growing interest of students in digital learning, PAL was introduced
The Partnership expanded in 2023 with the implementation of iPrep Digital Class, a smart classroom solution, and iPrep PAL, personalized adaptive learning solutions on Tablets within the Digital Library framework. Through the PAL solution, the aim is to propel students toward grade-level proficiency. PAL by iDream Education is designed with a guided mechanism to foster a sense of belonging during the learning cycle. It offers an individualized learning path to address lingering learning gaps in the continuous learning process without any judgment or comparison.
Progress is underway in utilizing the newly implemented 5 smart classrooms and 8 digital libraries equipped with PAL on tablets. The stage is set to monitor the usage and improvement.
iDream Education is hopeful that if such interventions happen at scale, they with ecosystem partners will unleash the immense potential of these students. Organizations such as Aide et Action Asia and M3M Foundation simply need to continue to do what they are doing, with proper care, guidance, continuity, and usage. With such continuous support, students will not only advance academically but also in confidence and their overall well-being and careers.
EdTech is a Simple Solution to an Institutional Problem
Therefore, by leveraging digital resources effectively, you can tailor learning experiences to meet the diverse needs and preferences of last-mile learners, ultimately fostering a more dynamic and enriching educational environment. In case you would like to know more about iPrep PAL and other digital learning solutions or if you have any comments or thoughts, visit iDream Education's website, www.idreameducation.org, or write to them at share@idreameducation.org.
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