The much anticipated Ghana Smart Schools Project (GSSP), also known as one student one tablet project has finally been launched with over 1.3 million students waiting to be given a Student Mate 1 tablet by the government of Ghana.
GESHub.org has all the gist and what you need to know about the project and is here to lay it all bare. The content of the article contains the rationale behind GSSP, specifications of the SM1, learning content of the tablet, its sustainability and durability as well as some important FAQs.
Questions & answers about the Ghana Smart Schools Project & Student Mate 1 tablet
What is the rationale behind the Ghana Smart Schools Project? The Ghana Smart Schools Project is an extension of government’s free SHS project being digitalized. The objective is to empower Ghanaian students to learn the smart way with limitless boundaries.
What are the Specifications of the tablet (Battery Life, Software version, etc.)? Screen size 10.1″inch: RAM 4GB; Storage 128GB; Battery capacity is 3.7V/8000mAH lasting 7-8hrs; Solar chargeable Power bank; Wi-Fi and Sim card supported: Android 12 operating system; customized LMS etc.
What is the Sustainability and Durability of the Tablet? The tablet has passed all quality tests (durability test, stress test, etc.) comparable to every global brand. Depending on the user, the SM1 tablet can outlive the average lifespan of most tech products.
What is the Distribution Plan? The Distribution is in Phases; tablets would be delivered to schools through GES/TVET Regional Stores. The entire distribution process is automated. Students’ enrolment data approved by the FSHS secretariat is preloaded into the distribution app. Every device serial number is then assigned to a specific student. By this, we know the user of every device.
What are the learning contents on the tablet? Each tablet has a pre- installed Learning Management System (LMS). The platform is available both online and offline. All current approved contents by NaCCA have been uploaded on the platform. Currently, we have contents from KG to SHS on the platform (i.e. Video, PDF, WAEC revision questions etc.). Additional contents would be uploaded to meet the changing needs of students in line with policy direction.
Is the tablet here to replace textbooks? This would be a policy decision to replace text books by the Ghana Education service and MOE
What Happens to Publishers of Textbooks? Publishers remain key to this project. The content has been paid for and we have continuous working relationship with the publishers, all Copyright terms and conditions are observed.
What will a student do when his/her tablet gets missing? We have a process for handling theft, device complaints etc. In the case of missing tablet, all tablet would be insured, each tablet has a tracking software. The tablet can be disenabled in case it is not found.
Can students use tablets for other things aside from educational content? The tablet is strictly for learning and basic research. Until MoE deems it necessary to introduce new resources, access to unauthorized sites would be restricted. Students will not be allowed to upload unauthorized contents on the device. Teachers are able to monitor what happens on every device.
Who are the beneficiary schools? All public Senior High School and TVET.
Can you provide all students with tablets should the rollout begin? Production and distribution schedules have been finalized. Yes, every student will receive a tablet.
Will students keep tablets and take them home?
The objective of the project is to empower students to learn irrespective of whether they are on campus or at home. In effect, students will be allowed to take tablets home. They’ll equally keep the tablets while on campus. We are also able to lock or shutdown the tablet to ensure students take enough rest and reactivate (i.e. shutdown 10pm and reactivate 4am)
Can students use tablets for other things aside from educational content? The tablet is strictly for learning and basic research. Until MoE deems it necessary to introduce new resources, access to unauthorized sites would be restricted. Students will not be allowed to upload unauthorized contents on the device. Teachers are able to monitor what happens on every device.
Who are the beneficiary schools? All public Senior High School and TVET.
Can you provide all students with tablets should the rollout begin? Production and distribution schedules have been finalized. Yes, every student will receive a tablet.
What happens when a tablet breaks down? We have set up 24/7 online and in person support, 216 district KATCare partner shops to provide support to all our customers. Gov’t also creating support through PwDs to be trained and assigned to beneficiary schools to provide support, with mobile solarkiosk.
Who pays for maintenance? The SM1 tablet has l year warranty. Thus, all device or factory defects would be fixed at no cost to students. However, all user defects or problems caused by the user (i.e. broken screen, liquid on keyboard).
Will students keep tablets and take them home? The objective of the project is to empower students to learn irrespective of whether they are on campus or at home. In effect, students will be allowed to take tablets home. They’ll equally keep the tablets while on campus. We are also able to lock or shutdown the tablet to ensure students take enough rest and reactivate (i.e. shutdown 10pm and reactivate 4am)
Are students supposed to keep tablets or pass them on to successors? Each student will keep his/her tablet throughout the period of study. Upon completion, the tablet must be returned to the school. Tablets are properties of the schools.
Can a student use a tablet while on vacation? YES. This is to allow teachers to engage their students while on vacation. We are still able to track location and whatever is happening on the device regardless.
What is the source of funding and procurement for this project? The project fully funded by Government of Ghana.
How can those in remote areas without electricity and internet connectivity access the app? We have thought of the unreliable Internet and power supply to some areas of the country. In terms to power, we have a backup Power Bank that can be charged with solar. For the LMS content, we have an offline platform to address the challenge with poor internet connectivity. Each tablet has a pre- installed Learning Management System (LMS).
Have all the core and elective subjects at the SHS Level been uploaded on the tablet? All core and Elective subjects have been fully uploaded.
Can students beyond the SHS Level still use the app on another tablet? YES. The LMS app exists in both Web and mobile versions. All you need is your credentials.
Source: GESHub.org
HI Pls where can I get tablet screen touch
Everything being said was about the tablet’s
The powerbank is also another device added to the tablet. In case the powerbank is missing or stolen, is there a way to retrieve it please
Please how can you reset your tablet when forgot password