Afro Technologies Limited

Who (first and last name) is the Team Lead for your application and LEAP Project?

Dr. Simon Aseno

Describe the role the Team Lead plays in your organization. [100-200 words recommended]

As Afro Technologies' Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Simon Aseno shoulders the mantle of guiding the company's technological trajectory. His responsibilities span a broad spectrum of strategic and operational domains. Dr. Aseno formulates and executes Afro Technologies' overarching technology strategy, ensuring that it aligns seamlessly with the company's business imperatives. Spearheading product development initiatives, he leads the conceptualization and implementation of Afro Technologies' offerings, meticulously overseeing their adherence to quality standards and user requirements. Dr. Aseno provides visionary leadership, fostering an environment of innovation while remaining abreast of technological trends to integrate cutting-edge technologies into the company's portfolio. 

In addition to steering technology infrastructure, he is tasked with fortifying its robustness, scalability, and security, along with overseeing partnerships and negotiating contracts. Dr. Aseno actively collaborates across departments, fostering seamless communication and alignment on technology initiatives. Furthermore, he plays a pivotal role in nurturing talent within the technology team, cultivating a culture of innovation and continuous enhancement. Through diligent performance monitoring and risk management, Dr. Aseno safeguards the integrity and efficacy of Afro Technologies' technological ecosystem.

Explain how your Team Lead and supporting team members are well-positioned to effectively support the LEAP Project, given other priorities within your organization. [300-500 words - recommended]

Our Team Lead, Dr. Simon Aseno, and supporting team members at Afro Technologies are well-positioned to effectively support the LEAP Project, despite other priorities within our organization. Our Head of Technology and Innovation brings  extensive experience in educational technology and project management, having spearheaded numerous initiatives aimed at advancing digital learning solutions in the education sector. Her background in software engineering, coupled with a deep understanding of pedagogy and instructional design principles, uniquely qualifies her to coordinate our team through the LEAP Project sprint.

Furthermore, our supporting team members possess a diverse range of skills and expertise that complement Dr. Aseno's leadership. This multidisciplinary approach enables us to leverage a breadth of perspectives and insights throughout the project lifecycle. Our team members have demonstrated their commitment to excellence and innovation, consistently delivering high-quality results across various projects and initiatives. With a shared vision and collaborative spirit, we are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of the LEAP Project and drive meaningful outcomes.

Despite other priorities within our organization, our Team Lead and supporting team members are committed to dedicating the necessary time and resources to the LEAP Project. We understand the importance of research-intensive projects like LEAP and recognize the value they bring to our organization's growth and impact. As such, we are prepared to allocate 3-4 hours per week to the LEAP Project sprint, ensuring that we meet project milestones and deliverables in a timely manner.

Moreover, our Team Lead and supporting team members are adept at managing competing priorities and balancing workload demands. Through effective time management strategies and streamlined communication channels, we will mitigate potential conflicts and ensure that our involvement in the LEAP Project does not compromise our ongoing commitments and initiatives. By fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration, we will harness the collective expertise of our team to maximize our contributions to the LEAP Project and achieve our shared objectives.

One-line solution summary: In 20 words or less, summarize your organization's product or program that is the focus of your LEAP Project.

FlexC (Flexible Courses) is a Learning Management System offering interactive content, personalized learning, and real-time assessments for enhanced educational experiences.

Define the problem that your solution seeks to solve. [300-500 words recommended]

With a population of over 30 million people and a growing demand for quality education, the lack of accessible and tailored online learning options limits the potential for personal growth, professional advancement, and overall socio-economic development. This is particularly evident in underserved communities and marginalised groups who face additional barriers to accessing quality education. Evidence from various studies and reports highlights the challenges and gaps in online learning in Ghana. A survey conducted by the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) revealed that only 23% of Ghanaians have access to good internet connectivity, limiting their ability to benefit from online learning opportunities. Additionally, a report by the World Bank indicates that Ghana's education system needs to adapt to the changing demands of the labour market, and online learning can play a pivotal role in addressing this gap.

We have identified that many institutions continue to run paper-based systems, which are administratively burdensome and pose data and security risks as papers are vulnerable to loss and/or damage compromising sensitive information. Paper-based systems also require a lot of physical space for storage, which can lead to cluttered offices and difficulties in organising and maintaining the storage and limits scalability due to the quantum of physical infrastructure required as the institution grows. Managing paper-based systems makes it difficult to analyse data for insightful and timely decision-making, changes to policies, schedules and effective communication to stakeholders. There is also a  direct adverse effect on climate risk mitigation from using paper-based systems. There are NO EdTech solutions designed specifically for the Ghanaian context and many of the international educational technologies and software are not aligned or easily customisable for the Ghanaian educational system. The closest  solutions from the international markets that exist are expensive  with their pricing denominated in one of the five major currencies, making  it unaffordable for many Ghanaian institutions of higher learning. For instance, the starting price for setting up Blackboard Learn is USD $9,500.00/year  which is 130,000 Ghana Cedis. This cost does not include the per user rate for each student which is also priced in USD. This is significantly higher than most institutions can afford. That is why we built a flexibly customisable learning management system, FlexC, to help local institutions manage the delivery of courses, learning materials and students records all online.

FlexC supports Ghana's National Reform Agenda by modernising education delivery and promoting transparency, accountability, and equity. Through its technology-driven approach, FlexC streamlines administrative processes, monitors student progress with its robust analytics feature, and assesses learning outcomes, enabling policymakers and education leaders to make informed decisions and allocate resources efficiently. Moreover, FlexC aligns with the ICT in Education Reforms by developing early ICT competencies in children, equipping pre-tertiary learners with ICT skills, through their interactions with FlexC.

Describe your solution and how it works in simple terms. [300-500 words recommended]

FlexC, as an online Learning Management System (LMS) designed for institutions, specifically addresses the challenges faced by educational institutions in Ghana. It reduces the over reliance on paper- based and in person course administration by enabling institutions to run their courses online, allowing continuous accessibility and wider reach. FlexC helps schools and organizations run their courses and training programs over the internet. It allows teachers to create and deliver lessons, students to access course materials, and administrators to manage the entire learning process. With FlexC, everything happens online, from submitting assignments to taking tests, making it easy for everyone to learn and teach from anywhere with an internet connection. FlexC is  designed to be a low internet bandwidth platform to help institutions  adapt to the changing demands of the labour market by offering online course delivery even in areas with poor internet infrastructure. This allows institutions to expand their reach and provide accessible learning opportunities for distance learners without the need to invest heavily in physical infrastructure.

FlexC also supports institutions in organising staff training programs, addressing the need for professional development. By facilitating Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programs, FlexC assists teachers and educators in basic schools to improve their technology skills and stay competitive in their respective fields. The platform promotes collaboration and peer-to-peer learning, fostering a sense of community among learners. Additionally, FlexC provides monitoring and assessment tools that help instructors track learner progress and provide personalised support. With its integration capabilities and scalability, FlexC can be tailored to the specific needs of institutions, regardless of their size. Overall, FlexC addresses the challenges of adapting to online learning, providing relevant training opportunities, and supporting continuous professional development for both institutions and professionals in Ghana.

By utilizing FlexC, educational institutions can effectively transition to online learning, deliver courses, and provide training opportunities to their staff. FlexC contributes to bridging the educational gaps, fostering personal and professional development, and ultimately driving socio-economic growth in Ghana by ensuring inclusive and equitable access to quality education for all.

Select the key characteristics of your target population. Select all that apply.

• Women & Girls
• LGBTQ+
• Primary school children (ages 5-12)
• Rural
• Peri-Urban
• Poor
• Urban
• Low-Income
• Middle-Income
• Refugees & Internally Displaced Persons
• Minorities & Previously Excluded Populations

Upload your solution's Theory of Change or Logic Model.

Where would you place your solution on Nesta's Standards of Evidence?

To date, what research/studies has your organization conducted or commissioned that have helped demonstrate the effectiveness of your solution? [300-500 words recommended]

Afro Technologies has conducted foundational research, comprising literature reviews and desktop research, to demonstrate the effectiveness of our solution, FlexC. This foundational research has been instrumental in establishing the theoretical framework and understanding the current landscape of educational technology, particularly in the context of Ghana and other similar markets.

Through literature reviews, we have delved into academic journals, industry reports, and scholarly articles focusing on online learning, learning management systems (LMS), and educational technology adoption in developing countries. These reviews have provided valuable insights into the trends, challenges, and best practices shaping the field of e-learning, allowing us to identify gaps and opportunities for innovation.

Additionally, our desktop research efforts have involved analyzing existing LMS platforms, both locally and globally, to assess their features, functionalities, and user experiences. This comparative analysis has enabled us to identify areas where existing solutions may fall short in meeting the specific needs of educational institutions in Ghana.

Furthermore, our research has encompassed studies on pedagogical approaches and instructional design principles tailored to the Ghanaian educational context. By examining educational practices, curriculum frameworks, and pedagogical standards, we have gained a deeper understanding of the unique requirements and preferences of educators and learners in Ghana.

What has the data collected from the research/studies revealed about your solution and how did it inform your work moving forward? [300-500 words recommended]

The data collected from our research and studies has provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of our solution, FlexC, and has informed our work moving forward in several key ways.

Firstly, the research revealed the pressing need for accessible and user-friendly learning management systems (LMS) tailored to the Ghanaian educational context. We found that many existing LMS platforms lacked adequate localization and customization options, making them less suitable for institutions in Ghana. This insight emphasized the importance of designing FlexC to be highly adaptable and responsive to the specific needs and preferences of educators and learners in Ghana.

Secondly, our studies revealed the critical role of ongoing professional development and support for educators in effectively utilizing technology-enhanced learning tools. Many teachers expressed a desire for training and capacity-building initiatives to help them integrate digital technologies into their teaching practices more effectively. This insight informed our decision to incorporate comprehensive instructional training services and ongoing support services for our clients, ensuring that educators receive the necessary guidance and resources to maximize the impact of technology in the classroom.

Furthermore, the research highlighted the importance of data-driven decision-making and analytics in enhancing educational outcomes. Educators emphasized the need for robust monitoring and assessment tools that would enable them to track student progress, identify areas for improvement, and personalize learning experiences. In response, we prioritized the development of advanced analytics and reporting features within FlexC, allowing educators to gain valuable insights into student performance and engagement.

Describe your organization's need to strengthen the evidence base of your solution. [300-500 words recommended]

At Afro Technologies, we recognize the critical importance of evidence-based practices in driving the development and refinement of our solutions. As a company committed to revolutionizing education in Africa through technology, it is imperative for us to continuously strengthen the evidence base of our solutions to ensure their effectiveness and impact.

One of the key reasons why now is the right time for Afro Technologies to engage in a LEAP Project is the rapidly evolving landscape of education technology. With advancements in technology and changes in educational methodologies, there is a growing demand for innovative solutions that can address the complex challenges faced by educators, learners, and education stakeholders. By participating in a LEAP Project, we have the opportunity to collaborate with experts and researchers who can provide valuable insights and recommendations to enhance the evidence base of our solution.

Another important factor driving our need to strengthen the evidence base of our solution is the increasing emphasis on data-driven decision-making in the education sector. As educators and policymakers seek evidence-based approaches to improve learning outcomes and address educational inequalities, there is a growing demand for solutions that can demonstrate their effectiveness through rigorous research and evaluation. By engaging in a LEAP Project, Afro Technologies can leverage the expertise of LEAP Fellows to conduct research and evaluation studies that provide empirical evidence of the impact of our solutions on teaching and learning outcomes.

Furthermore, as we continue to expand our reach and impact in the education sector, it becomes increasingly important for us to demonstrate the effectiveness and scalability of our solutions to potential customers, partners, and investors. By strengthening the evidence base of our solution through a LEAP Project, we can enhance our credibility and reputation as a trusted provider of education technology solutions. This, in turn, can open up new opportunities for collaboration, funding, and market expansion.

What are 2-3 research questions that you would like your LEAP Project to help you answer? [100 words recommended]

1. How effective is FlexC in improving student engagement and academic performance compared to traditional classroom methods?

2. What are the key factors influencing the adoption and usage of FlexC among teachers and students?

3. How does FlexC impact the efficiency and effectiveness of course administration and management within educational institutions?

What type of research methods do you think will help answer your stated questions? Select all that apply.

• Foundational research (literature reviews, desktop research)
• Formative research (e.g. usability studies; feasibility studies; case studies; user interviews; implementation studies; process evaluations; pre-post or multi-measure research; correlational studies)

Please elaborate on your selection above by describing your desired outputs of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint. [300 - 500 words recommended]

The desired outputs of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint for Afro Technologies encompass a range of research recommendations and tools aimed at strengthening the evidence base of FlexC, our learning management system (LMS) solution. Given the constraints of the 12-week timeframe and the commitment of approximately four LEAP Fellows working 6-10 hours per week, we have outlined specific outputs that align with our objectives and priorities.

Firstly, we anticipate that the LEAP Fellows would propose innovative strategies and frameworks for optimizing the implementation and utilization of FlexC within educational institutions. This may involve developing implementation frameworks that outline best practices for onboarding, training, and supporting educators and administrators in integrating FlexC into their teaching and administrative workflows. Additionally, the Fellows may devise strategies for fostering user adoption, addressing technological barriers, and promoting sustainability and scalability of FlexC deployment.

Another crucial output we anticipate is the development of monitoring and evaluation tools that enable ongoing assessment and feedback on FlexC implementation. These tools may include user feedback surveys, performance analytics dashboards, and qualitative assessment protocols to track key performance indicators, user satisfaction levels, and institutional impact over time. By implementing these tools, educational institutions can continuously monitor the effectiveness of FlexC, identify areas for improvement, and make data-driven decisions to enhance its impact and value proposition.

Overall, the outputs of the LEAP Project sprint will equip Afro Technologies with actionable insights, tools, and strategies to strengthen the evidence base of FlexC and drive its successful adoption and implementation in diverse educational contexts. These outputs will not only enhance the value proposition of FlexC but also contribute to the broader goal of advancing educational technology and improving learning outcomes for students worldwide.

How will your organization put these outputs into action? [300-500 words recommended]

Following the conclusion of the LEAP Project sprint and the receipt of the outputs developed by the LEAP Fellows, Afro Technologies will embark on a comprehensive plan to put these outputs into action. This plan encompasses several key steps aimed at leveraging the research recommendations, strategies, and tools to enhance the development, implementation, and impact of FlexC, our learning management system (LMS) solution.

Firstly, Afro Technologies will conduct an in-depth review and analysis of the research recommendations and study designs developed by the LEAP Fellows. This review process will involve collaboration between our internal research and development team and external stakeholders, including educational institutions, educators, and subject matter experts. By critically evaluating the feasibility, validity, and relevance of the proposed study designs, we will identify priorities and refine the research agenda to align with our strategic objectives and market needs.

Afro Technologies will initiate the implementation of the recommended strategies and frameworks aimed at optimizing the deployment and utilization of FlexC within educational institutions. This implementation phase will involve close collaboration with partner institutions to pilot test and refine the proposed implementation frameworks, training modules, and support mechanisms. Through hands-on workshops, training sessions, and ongoing support services, we will empower educators and administrators to effectively integrate FlexC into their teaching practices and administrative workflows.

Additionally, Afro Technologies will leverage the research outputs and findings to inform product development iterations and enhancements. By incorporating insights from the LEAP Project sprint into our product roadmap, we will ensure that FlexC remains at the forefront of innovation and addresses the evolving needs and challenges of the education sector. This iterative approach to product development will enable us to continuously improve the functionality, usability, and scalability of FlexC, enhancing its value proposition and market competitiveness.

Afro Technologies is committed to translating the outputs of the LEAP Project sprint into tangible actions and outcomes that drive the successful adoption, implementation, and impact of FlexC in educational institutions. Through strategic collaboration, iterative development, and data-driven decision-making, we will harness the full potential of FlexC to transform teaching and learning experiences and empower educators and learners worldwide.

Describe your desired long-term outcomes of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint for both your organization and solution. [300-500 words recommended]

Afro Technologies envisions several key outcomes from our participation in the 12-week LEAP Project sprint, both for our organization and the solutions we provide. Our primary goal is to leverage this collaborative opportunity to drive positive change in education and technology sectors, ultimately benefiting the communities we serve.

The desired long-term outcomes of the 12-week LEAP Project sprint for Afro Technologies include:

1. Enhanced solution offerings through the integration of research recommendations.

2. Continued innovation and improvement in our products and programs.

3. Strengthened market position and sustainable growth.

4. Meaningful social impact through the delivery of effective and impactful solutions.

For Afro Technologies, the LEAP Project presents an invaluable opportunity to deepen our understanding of the evolving needs and challenges within the education landscape. By partnering with education organizations as Project Hosts, we aim to gain insights into specific pain points and areas for improvement that our solutions can address. Through robust research and data-driven analysis conducted by our LEAP Fellows, we anticipate refining our products and programs to better meet the needs of our target audience.

One of the key long-term outcomes we anticipate for Afro Technologies is the enhancement of our solution offerings. By integrating research recommendations and insights gathered during the LEAP Project sprint, we aim to strengthen the evidence base of our products and programs. This will enable us to deliver more effective and impactful solutions that drive meaningful outcomes for users, such as improved learning outcomes, enhanced user experience, and increased engagement.

Additionally, participation in the LEAP Project sprint aligns with our strategic goal of fostering innovation and continuous improvement within our organization. Through collaboration with LEAP Fellows, who bring diverse expertise and perspectives to the table, we anticipate generating innovative ideas and approaches that push the boundaries of what is possible in education technology. This culture of innovation will not only benefit our current solutions but also pave the way for the development of new products and initiatives that address emerging needs and trends in the education sector.

From a business perspective, participation in the LEAP Project sprint offers Afro Technologies an opportunity to strengthen our market position and drive sustainable growth. By enhancing the evidence base and effectiveness of our solutions, we anticipate attracting new customers and partners who value evidence-based approaches to education technology. This, in turn, can lead to increased market share, revenue growth, and long-term sustainability for our organization.