In Focus
Policymaker Interview
Anthony Bloome, the Executive Director of the mEducation Alliance, conducted the interview with Dr. Christine Niyizamwiyitira on July 30, 2020. The information has been updated since then, and we thank Christine and her team for providing the requested information and updates.
Dr. Christine Niyizamwiyitira
Head of ICT in Education Department, Rwanda Education Board
Anthony: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Rwanda made significant investments in education technology. Since COVID-19 started, which of those activities have most progressed?
Dr. Niyizamwiyitira: Several activities have accelerated since COVID-19. We had already established an e-learning platform, but before COVID-19 it was not widely used by many teachers. After COVID-19 began, the number of e-learning platform users increased from 5,000 to 69,000. Additionally, content for pre-primary to sixth grade already existed, but it now provides access to quizzes, assessments, and includes a forum that motivates collaboration between teachers, teachers and students, and between students. Students can interact with the system to answer questions, get grades, and check their status.
There were also some programs that started after the pandemic. When COVID-19 began, schools closed immediately and the government began education programs that are aired on radio and television daily, as well as smartphone teachings being made available. This includes a television station for teachers to receive training and support. For radio, television and smartphone teachings, they are working for a zero rate (free access) in order to increase education access.
Anthony: Regarding the e-learning platform that you mentioned, how do you measure the access and usage of that? Have you noticed a popular subject from users?
Dr. Niyizamwiyitira: We have the analytics in place for it. As part of the platform we can see who is accessing the chapters available, see the age range of users, what kind of device they are using, the browsers they are coming from, and the social media platforms they are coming from.
It seems the most popular subject so far is science, particularly physics. Mathematics is also very popular.
Anthony: Can you tell us more about the radio programs? What type of radio programming seems to be the most popular?
Dr. Niyizamwiyitira: The science program is the most popular, but we try to make sure that every subject is aired at least once per week. Primary school subjects are the most common on the radio, there are six radio channels with emphasis on English and Mathematics. Secondary school subjects are mostly on 7 TV channels. This includes weekly live experiments shown for science, which are very popular. We know that there are also some private broadcasts.
Anthony: Is the government paying for time on radio and TV, or are stations offering discounted rates?
Dr. Niyizamwiyitira: Yes, the government has negotiated to make the programs free for users. There are additional organizations like UNICEF, Mastercard Foundation, World Vision, and others that help to make airings and recordings available.
Anthony: What thoughts do you have about reaching learners with disabilities? Is this a component of the e-learning available?
Dr. Niyizamwiyitira: Currently there is an inclusive digital textbook which includes audio and sign language for Primary 1. This is a sample learning platform but we are looking for support to extend to more books in Primary and Secondary.
Anthony: Dr. Niyizamwiyitira, how did you come into this role?
Dr. Niyizamwiyitira: My background is a computer scientist, but I have been in the education sector for the last nine years. I joined the University of Rwanda (UR) as an assistant lecturer after completing my masters degree, then I had my PhD studies in computer systems engineering. I also worked with the center in charge of distance learning, and then resumed work in education when I started interpreting ICT as a tool of teaching and learning. My knowledge of software for e-learning and my applied teaching and learning have been really beneficial.
Anthony: You referenced the use of Microsoft Teams with secondary schools for teacher training. What does this look like? Who is providing the training (to teachers)?
Dr. Niyizamwiyitira: The training is provided by REB (Rwanda Education Board). It was not meant to be an online training 100%, but with no other option we have opted for online training. Based on UNESCO’s competence training for teachers, we have courses all ready, and support from South Korea has helped us with establishing master trainers who train other teachers. Keeping track of participation and training also helps with teacher certification.
Anthony: Moving forward beyond COVID-19 response recovery efforts, which of these activities that you mentioned do you think will continue to be expanded? Which makes the most sense even after kids go back to school?
Dr. Niyizamwiyitira: We are now working hard to have all students and teachers registered in e-learning and cohorts are in place. We have already scripted lessons and competency based curriculum (CBC) digital content that teachers shall start with. We are also thinking of a persistent education TV/radio channel, to provide not only lessons for students but also training for teachers. In the future, teacher training could be referenced by other teachers using the TV.
For more information on both the interventions taking place in Rwanda and on Dr. Niyizamwiyitira, please use the links below:
