Digital Libraries 2011Digital Libraries for North Africa
Robert Schware, PhDManaging Director, Global Learning PortalAcademy for Educational Development
Melissa Beuoy, MLISDigital Librarian, Global Learning PortalAcademy for Educational Development
Rwanda Education CommonsCollaboration Between Partners
The Rwanda Education Commons
REC is a USAID-funded project that supports the Education Sector Strategic Plan’s focus on
improving access to quality multimedia educational resources, and facilitating
communication among education stakeholders in an atmosphere of transparency, flexibility
and responsiveness to local context.
REC Portal
In 2009, REC began collaborating with volunteer Google engineers and usability researchers
and designers to build a Google-technologies platform for an online learning community.
Features of the portal (www.educationcommons.rw) include:
• A Digital Library• Discussion boards• User profiles/social networking• Local news and events
Infrastructure
Challenges• Cost of electricity• Outdated labs• Inadequate
maintenance of computers
• Low-bandwidth access to quality educational content
Infrastructure
Solutions
• Partner with various agencies to connect all 10 Teacher Training Colleges. Introduce “E-Rates”.
– Ministry of Education (co-ordination)– Artel (bandwidth)– RURA (utilities subsidization)– TSC (negotiate with TTCs)– TTCs– Unicef (hardware)– VSO (training)
• Develop and test a “light” websitethat works well in low-bandwidthenvironments.
Access
Challenges• Internet penetration is low (around 3-4%) and
unreliable.• Connections are slow, users experience
navigation delays.
Solutions• “Light” website made in partnership with
Google researchers– Including specially designed windows for
efficient access to materials• Multiple modes of offline distribution
Relevant Resources
Challenges• Lack of quality educational materials to access
at Teacher Training Colleges and Colleges of Education.
Solutions• Work with Rwandan teachers to produce
educational materials for online access and hard copy.
• Establish partnerships with local and international NGOs to acquire materials for use or adaptation.
Google, REC and GLP Staff ReunionNew York City, October 2010