01: Policy Understanding through Classroom Action

Here are, teacher-led African case studies that show simple, replicable ICT use you can drop straight into in-service training. Each one names the tool, what teachers actually did, and the outcome.

1. Kenya — Tusome early-grade reading (tablets + simple data use)
   Teachers received tablets to record quick classroom assessments and get coaching feedback; literacy materials were aligned to lessons. Result: large gains in early-grade reading nationally; the model is prized for its simplicity + feedback loop rather than fancy tech. Global Schools Forum+1

2. Zambia (and wider Africa) — Kolibri offline classrooms
   Primary teachers used Kolibri on low-cost devices to run short video/exercise “stations” offline, aligned to lessons. Result: better access to practice and easier differentiation, even with no internet. Replicable with a laptop + local Wi-Fi hotspot. Impact Network+1

3. South Africa — Siyavula open practice, zero-rated for phones
   Maths & science teachers assign auto-graded practice that learners do on basic smartphones (often zero-rated). Teachers track progress and target help. Result: hundreds of thousands of learners using it, including no-fee schools; strong completion/mastery data. Gauteng Technical Advisory Centre+1

4. Tanzania — Shule Direct as a teacher resource
   Secondary teachers use Shule Direct’s curriculum-aligned notes, quizzes, and videos to flip short segments or set quick revision on phones (online or low-bandwidth). Result: wider access to localised content and teacher-created supports. (Also note their newer “AI Teachers” teacher-support pilots.) Infonomics Society+1

5. Sierra Leone — Mobile learning labs (offline kits)
   Teachers run after-school sessions using mobile “learning labs” (portable devices pre-loaded with content) to reinforce classroom topics where connectivity is poor. Result: fun, regular catch-up opportunities with no need for live internet. globalpartnership.org

6. Multiple countries — RACHEL offline servers in schools
   Teachers curate a local “mini-internet” (Khan Academy, Wikipedia, textbooks) from a Raspberry Pi in the staff room; learners connect over local Wi-Fi. Result: quick wins for research, science videos, and practice without data costs. raspberrypi.com+1

7. South Africa — WhatsApp for classroom collaboration
   Business Studies teachers structured group tasks and peer discussion via WhatsApp (rubrics + prompts). Result: higher participation, easy sharing, and continuity beyond class—using a tool everyone already has. ERIC