Educational Opportunities with E-Learning & Solar in Dolpa

project

initial situation

A computer room with 20 computers each will be set up at two schools in Dolpa to provide access to e-learning platforms and digital learning resources. Students can use online courses, interactive learning games and multimedia materials in a playful way to further develop their knowledge and skills in various subjects. The learning goals can be set individually according to the level and needs of the student. The content is age-appropriate and tailored to the Nepalese curriculum and is made available in offline mode via a server. Our partner organization for e-learning "OLE" promotes the use of OER (Open Educational Resources), i.e. freely available learning materials. This gives learners in Dolpa access to a wide range of high-quality resources, including digital textbooks, interactive learning modules and multimedia content, regardless of an internet connection, as all data can be accessed via the school's own server.

The project also aims to install a sustainable energy source in the form of solar energy at the schools. The solar installation will not only improve the schools' electricity supply but will also enable the sustainable integration of e-learning to improve access to education and the quality of learning. To this end, solar panels will be installed on the roof of the schools to collect solar energy and convert it into electrical energy. Battery storage systems will also be installed to store excess energy for night-time operation or in bad weather.

The project aims to expand learning opportunities for students and provide them with a solid foundation for their education. The project helps to strengthen their cognitive skills, confidence and enthusiasm for learning, and opens up better future opportunities for students.

target group

E-learning can be very important at different levels of the education system. At primary school level, e-learning can help learn basic learning content in an interactive and engaging way. Digital learning games, interactive learning modules or multimedia resources can be used to arouse children's interest and increase their motivation to learn. At secondary school level, e-learning can help students expand their learning opportunities and deepen their knowledge in various subject areas.

The educational project also benefits teachers and school staff by providing them with additional resources and materials to enrich their teaching. The e-learning platform can help teachers support their teaching, offer students a greater variety of learning opportunities, and introduce new pedagogical approaches. By having access to e-learning resources, teachers and school staff can expand their teaching materials and improve their knowledge and skills, resulting in a higher quality teaching experience.

Shree Mukuteshwor Secondary School, Fulching

Shree Kasturi Secondary School

* Explanation of school levels in Nepal:

The preschool phase / kindergarten is optional for children aged approximately 3 to 5 years . This is where basic social, emotional and cognitive skills are developed.

The age range for primary schools in Nepal is typically between 6 and 11 years . The Nepali education system typically includes five years of primary education, starting with preschool or first grade and ending with fifth grade. Classes focus on learning basic skills such as reading, writing, arithmetic, and fundamentals in science, social studies, Nepali language, and English.

The secondary level is divided into two phases: lower level (grades 6 to 8) and upper level (grades 9 and 10) . In these levels, the lessons become more extensive and in-depth, and the students are prepared for the final examination.

After successfully completing secondary school, students can enter the higher secondary school, which includes grades 11 and 12. Here they can choose between different fields of study, such as science, commerce or humanities.

After completing upper secondary school, students have the opportunity to study at colleges or universities to obtain a bachelor's degree.

project goal and impact

What we do

e-learning

• Support curriculum-based learning: E-learning is a supplement to traditional classes and curriculum. The goal is to provide students with additional resources, learning materials and exercises to deepen their understanding of the lesson content and consolidate their knowledge.
  
  
• Create an interactive learning environment: E-learning provides interactive learning opportunities that encourage student engagement and active participation. The goal is to provide students with an interactive learning environment where they can actively learn through multimedia content, simulations, virtual experiments, and games.
  
  
• Develop digital skills: By using e-learning, students can develop digital skills that are very important in today's digital world. The goal is to teach students basic computer skills, information research, critical thinking and media literacy.

• Enable individualized learning: E-learning can enable students to learn at their own pace and accommodate their individual needs and interests. The goal is to create an individualized learning experience where students can customize their learning program and learn independently.
  
  
• Promote collaborative learning opportunities: E-learning provides students with the opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other in virtual learning communities. The goal is to promote collaborative learning where students can work together, share ideas, and benefit from each other.
  
  

E-Learning activities

• Installation of 20 computer terminals per school and e-learning server. Access to the server is in offline mode. This means there is no need to depend on the Internet. The server is updated at regular intervals.
  
  
• Installation of servers and electrical cabling.
  
  
• Renovation of computer room, provision of furniture by local carpenter.
  
  
• Conducting training for teachers on the use of e-learning methods in teaching, regular maintenance of hardware and software to ensure smooth operation.
  
  

Solar

The aim of installing solar panels is to create a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy source that enables the operation of e-learning at the school. By using solar energy, the computers and e-learning infrastructure can operate independently of a conventional power grid. This offers several advantages:

• Sustainability: Solar panels use renewable energy sources, namely sunlight, which is abundant in Nepal. This reduces the school's carbon footprint as fewer fossil fuels are needed to generate electricity.
  
  
• Independence from electricity grids: In many rural areas of Nepal, electricity supply is unstable or non-existent. The solar system will enable the school to operate independently from public electricity grids and continue its e-learning initiatives.
  
  
• Cost-effectiveness: Although the initial investment cost of installing a solar system may be higher, using free solar energy will result in significant cost savings on the school's electricity bill in the long run.
  
  
• Extension of operating hours: With an appropriate solar system, e-learning can also be operated outside of regular school hours, as the energy source can collect and store sunlight during the day.
  
  
• Educational opportunities for students: By providing a stable power supply, students can continuously access e-learning resources and benefit from a wide range of digital learning materials.
  
  
• Technological advances: Integrating solar energy into education promotes technological innovation and digital skills among both students and teachers.
  
  
• The installation of a solar system to support e-learning operations is therefore an important step towards creating a sustainable and future-oriented educational environment at the school in Nepal. It gives students access to modern educational opportunities while contributing to the school's environmental sustainability.
  
  

Solar activities

• Installation of 20 computer terminals per school and e-learning server. Access to the server is in offline mode. This means there is no need to depend on the Internet. The server is updated at regular intervals.
  
  
• Installation of servers and electrical cabling.
  
  
• Renovation of computer room, provision of furniture by local carpenter
  
  
• Conducting training for teachers on the use of e-learning methods in teaching, regular maintenance of hardware and software to ensure smooth operation.
  
  

contact person

Pranita Chettri

pranita@booksforchange.org

As co-founder of BOOKS FOR CHANGE, I am passionate about promoting equality and children's education.

I am driven by my strong belief that education is the key to a better future. I am particularly excited about the opportunity to improve the quality of learning in Nepal by supporting e-learning. This not only enables improved access to education, but also helps to improve the quality of education overall, opening up new opportunities for people to reach their full potential.