Mobile learning in Africa: Texting the way to distance learning (ePub)

Bill Gates wrote in his 2015 letter to his foundation, that soon, world class education will just be several computer taps away, regardless of where anyone lives. The great news is that elearning and mobile learning have the power to knock down the geographical barriers to close the skill gap and ensure that everyone in Africa with access to the internet can attain a good education. Mobile learning, as part of distance learning, is increasingly seen as an essential tool in improving learning opportunities in Sub-Sahara Africa. It is the long-range missile in education technology's growing armoury. For many reasons, the infrastructure and accessibility of traditional education are often inadequate. Schools are overcrowded and under-resourced, and teachers lack essential training. Despite attempts at improving the system, retention of both pupils and teachers is low, and learning outcomes are poor. Education is essential for economic development, innovation and growth. But it can also be expensive and hard to get access to. Africa has a young population. Approximately 50 percent of the populace are under 15, and there are around 200 million young people between the ages of 15 and 24. Added to this, Sub-Sahara Africa is home to some of the world's fastest growing economies. These young people will be the driving force behind sustainable growth across the continent. But, an unskilled and uneducated workforce is a stumbling block to both further growth, and to maintaining it. With this in mind, it is more important than ever to invest in education and training. For the area to maximise the potential of its economic growth, it needs to expand educational opportunities and cut its price. This is where the possibilities provided by the advancements in elearning come into play. It will depend on the actions taken in each country to see if an education reform is needed or not. The goal should be to get a local level of online education which enables students to get a "Harvard MBA like" degree based on online education. This e-book presents the situation and the perspectives of mobile learning in the following regions and countries: . East Africa . Tanzania . Rwanda . Nigeria . Kenya . Ghana . Senegal . Ivory Coast . Ethiopia On my website apps-for-learning.com I present news & views about current elearning issues. I focus on questions about online courses and elearning in general mainly for African students. The country reports of this e-book are an extract of the latest articles of the website. If you want to get regular e-learning insights I invite you to follow closely the website apps-for-learning.com. By the way, for all readers interested about online money transfers from and to Africa, have a look on the website apps-for-money-transfer.com. It might be interesting for you, too.