It has been a few days since the Rwandan government suspended all schools and colleges to control the spread of COVID-19 disease. The initial closure was for a period of two weeks, but it is likely to be extended as new cases are reported. Unsure of when normalcy will resume, some schools and universities have already opted for e-learning tools. For children, it might feel good to take a break from the school drills for a moment and binge of TV shows. But there is an ultimate need to keep the ball rolling, seeing that many in primary and secondary schools are expected to begin their exams immediately the schools reopen. This article suggests some made-in-Rwanda online material and tools for fun and smart homeschooling and remote learning despite the COVID-19 outbreak. Most of the resources were curated by the ICT Chamber under the Private Sector Federation and they are designed for different purposes such as e-learning platforms, e-books and directories, and short courses. 1. E-learning tools Eshuri This is an e-learning platform that allows students to take classes from home. It enables web-based interaction and has an option of mobile application. Via its live, virtual class feature, it enables testing and reporting with real performance analytics. With auto-synchronization, students can take on learning offline and all levels from primary to university are supported. E-learning This is an online platform run by the Rwanda Education Board and is accessed via the board’s website. It allows teachers to create a class, lessons and enroll students. On this platform, students can be able to read, conduct formative assessments and get automatic feedback. Its online courses are for students in primary and secondary schools with grade, level, and subject specifications. However, the platform is only web-based and it does not support offline learning meaning that without good internet, the student will find it difficult to follow. Rwanda Edutory This is an online directory and search engine that provides information for educational institutions and schools in Rwanda. Students, parents, other Rwandans and foreigners have access to this information with better choice. 2. Books ImagineWe ImagineWe is essentially one of the most promising book publishers in Rwanda, with a special focus on children’s books. Apart from a brick-and-mortar publishing house, the company has an app with most of its publications. Rwandan authors dominate its shelves, giving an undiluted Rwandan context. The app can be downloaded here on Google app store. Mudacumura Books Mudacumura is another publishing house. It offers a wide range of children’s books that will keep your kids in fun learning and it is free. 3. Technical skills Creativity.rw This is a children’s creativity lab to stimulate an early age excitement for science fields. If your child is enrolled in any STEM subject, or you want to challenge children in problem-solving, critical thinking and creativity, this is the right tool. The platform offers courses in computer science, engineering, robotics and design thinking. Through its YouTube videos, Creativity provides DIY (Do it Yourself) tutorials to make simple electronics. Nyerekatech.com This startup sells electronic components and provides technical skills. You can buy tools/materials such as sensors, LED lights and actuators to make your own gadgets via its e-commerce feature. Payment modes include mobile money, PayPal, MasterCard and visa. 4. Career guidance Opanda.xyz Opanda is a platform that complements the education curriculum with provision of highly interactive content, evaluation tests, digital laboratory experiments and other learning resources. It offers teaching aid tools and content development Baginnovation.rw This is a school-to-work platform that helps university students and graduates to gain virtual experience with employers and match with over 200 employers on the platform. 5. Programming Codeck.rw This is a web service that lets students learn coding through content shared by their teachers and parents to track the progress of their kids. Progate.com Though not an indigenous tool, Progate is a simple but highly recommended platform to help your child learn coding. The web service is used by over a million people and available in more than 100 countries. Unlike long texts and dull videos, Progate presents information through intuitive slides. It allows self-paced learning of 15 languages. 6. Provisional driving license Ikizamini.com Fully Kinyarwanda, this platform provides provisional driving license preparations. In addition, the service offers tips and guidelines on the process of license testing, and a bunch of drills. The Wide Class This platform provides short courses, provisional driving license preparations. It also provides past papers of national examinations and an E-library. The platform is best for university students and graduates. For more free resources for homeschooling as the pandemic surges, you may check out this article here published by QNS.
