International Literacy Day
Enhancing knowledge transfer and hacking the global gaps are among the top WSA goals. This year, the International Literacy Day (ILD) 2020 will focus on literacy teaching and learning during the COVID-19 crisis and beyond, with a focus on the role of educators and changing pedagogies. Since many years, WSA Winners have shown how important literacy programs and their accessibility are, be it for indigenous people in Australia, people with disabilities in South Korea, youngsters in barley accessible regions in Zimbabwe or migrants and refugees in Jordan.
Learn about six WSA and WSA European Young Innovators, who are providing digital education and literacy solutions!
1. جنى القراءة Jana Reading
Jana Reading Program is a literacy based program in which is appropriate age level to Early and Elementary childhood education, it meets the needs of 21st century needs, it does not only support our students and overseas, dislocated and displaced children who seek learning Arabic language using interactivity and learning through fun and games, such implementation of technology through learning supports children with special needs and slow readers as well with parental mentoring.
More about Jana reading: wsa-global.org/winner/jana-reading/
VIDEO about Jana reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re9scJDXCvs
2. The Living First Languages Platform (LFLP)
The Living First Language Platform addresses the urgent global need to revitalize, preserve and teach Indigenous Languages through the development of community-driven, interactive and dynamic digital literacy apps. When languages die, we lose more than words. We lose a carrier of culture and the connection we share with ourselves, our tradition and our history. This technology bridges cultural divides, encourages literacy and, most importantly, puts First Languages firmly back in community members’ hands to pass on to the next generation.
More about The Living First Languages Platform (LFLP): wsa-global.org/winner/the-living-first-languages-platform-lflp/
VIDEO about The Living First Languages Platform (LFLP): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmtPWTq4uB8
3. DOT
Dot cell is able to bring revolutionary changes, first starting with the world’s first braille smartwatch, the Dot Watch. The Dot Watch, as it receives real-time information from the smartphone, already plays an important role in fighting against the digital divide. As the most affordable assistive tech device, Dot Mini is an educational device with a braille display and a speaker function for learning how to read. It will give students the freedom to not carry around bulky and heavy braille textbooks for each school year.
More about DOT: wsa-global.org/winner/dot-incorporation/
VIDEO about DOT: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3ZfUH57AYU
4. M-Shule
M-Shule is the first adaptive, mobile learning platform in Africa connecting primary school students to personalized education. Meaning “mobile school” in Swahili, M-Shule’s platform uses artificial intelligence to deliver personalized learning support in math and English via SMS and chatbots, building students’ concept mastery, exam performance, and confidence. M-Shule then shares data and insights with parents, schools, and organizations to power better instruction and collaboration, delivering high quality learning for each child.
More about M-Shule: wsa-global.org/winner/m-shule/
VIDEO about M-Shule: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DA5gNBQJeW4
5. SammTalk
SammTalk is an online platform connecting secondary school language classes internationally via video chat and online social media, so that students can practice their language skills, make foreign friends, and learn about life in other places. The platform provides teachers with information about their assigned partner class, as well as a schedule and activities, such as shared videos and photos to get started and video chat rooms to talk in real time. Essentially, with SammTalk, groups of students are given digital pen pals and various tasks aimed at encouraging language and cultural exchange, increasing motivation to learn, while developing respect and tolerance for other peoples and places.
More about SammTalk: wsa-global.org/winner/sammtalk/
VIDEO about SammTalk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvRJEkP1Ulw
6. Mtabe
Mtabe is a start-up using artificial intelligence and SMS technology to deliver learning content to students in Tanzania who cannot afford textbooks and have no Internet access. It is so simple that an average African student needs no new device to get started. Mtabe’s goal is to help young people transform their lives through education, using technology to make learning easier, quicker and more efficient. Secondary school students aged 13-22 simply send their questions via the messaging area of their phone to Mtabe and receive the answer in a few seconds.
More about Mtabe: wsa-global.org/winner/mtabe/
VIDEO about Mtabe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kstvyKBL8ZU