Ministry launches mobile app to enhance access to education materials

Sep 26, 2023 News

Kaieteur News – The Ministry of Education on Monday launched EDpal, an innovative application set to revolutionise the way learners from across the country access educational content at their convenience.

This groundbreaking initiative aims to provide a convenient and effective tool for reinforcing learning, reviewing challenging subjects, and improving academic performance, utilising approved content which is also aired on EdYou FM radio, the Ministry of Education said in a press release.

EDpal is designed to cater to the diverse needs of students at all levels, including nursery, primary and secondary, while it also has content for teachers in training at the Cyril Potter College of Education. With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive content library, the app offers a wide range of educational resources for students studying Science, Mathematics, Theatre Arts, Social Studies, English and Spanish. It also has English content specifically tailored for Spanish speakers.

During the launch ceremony in the Grand Savannah Suite, Pegasus, the Honourable Minister of Education, Priya Manickchand encouraged students, teachers, and parents to embrace this innovative learning tool. She said the aim is to ensure equity and equality of opportunity for all students to access learning materials regardless of their geographic location in Guyana. She labelled the initiative “creative” and “progressive”, while she encouraged the EdYou FM team to “innovate” to ensure the way content is developed and shared is inclusive and relevant or suitable to the needs of students.”

Education Minister, Priya Manickchand and other officials at the launch of the mobile app

Head of EdYou FM, Mr. Phillip Williams stated “The EDpal app is designed to revolutionize the way learners from across the country access educational content at their convenience. Through this app, learners will have the ability to play educational content on demand with just a simple click on the relevant link. We aim to make learning more accessible and enjoyable, empowering students and teachers to enhance their knowledge beyond the confines of the traditional classroom setting.”

He further explained that the app allows students to access the content at any time and in any location with or without the Internet. This feature, he said, empowers students to solidify their understanding of key concepts, ultimately enhancing their academic performance.

Some other key features of EDpal are:

 Easy Navigation: The app’s user-friendly interface allows for effortless browsing and access to specific topics; and because it’s audio-centric, it will require low bandwidth.

 Measurable: we can generate a matrix of data based on usage and downloads, which will inform MOE on the effectiveness of the app and content accessed.

 Personalized Learning: Students can tailor their learning experiences by focusing on areas they find challenging or want to explore further.

 Offline Access: The app supports offline access to content, ensuring uninterrupted learning even in low-connectivity areas.

Director of the National Centre for Educational Resource Development (NCERD), Quenita Walrond-Lewis, lauded the development of this app, as she indicated that it is another demonstration of her department’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance educational opportunities for all students in Guyana. In addition to its standalone features, EDpal seamlessly integrates with EdYou FM radio which can also be found on the app, where anyone can tune in to the radio station. This integration enhances the accessibility of educational content by providing multiple channels through which students can engage with the material, at times convenient to them.