Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa Library Furnished with Sh1.7m Technology

The library at Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa, named as the top private school library in Kenya twice in the last three years, is investing Sh 1.7m in library technology that enables students to take extra lessons and complete assignments online using methods that have been found to sharply increase students’ test results in maths and science.

The roll out at the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa of the N-computing technology, which improves the quality of education through access to online lessons, chat and web-enhanced lectures, follows a string of accolades for the library. The library last year won the Library of the Year Awards (LOYA) or MAKTABA Awards for the best library within the private schools category in Kenya. It won the same award in 2012 and was a runner up in the category in 2013.

“Our academy’s emphasis on offering outstanding education to talented pupils has driven constant innovation in our learning resources,” said Acting Head of the Aga Khan Academy, Mombasa Simon Otieno. In this drive, N-computing has been identified as a key technology in supporting students’ academic performance and outcomes.

J. Kulik, the lead author of a peer-reviewed study on the Effects of Using Instructional Technology in Elementary and Secondary Schools, found that “Students who used computer tutorials in mathematics, natural science, and social science score significantly higher on tests in these subjects compared to students who did not use computers. Similarly, students who used simulation software in science also scored higher.”

The findings of Kulik’s meta-analysis are borne out by the shift in results delivered by using the N-computing, which offers teachers software when delivering lessons to help in the illustration, understanding and retention of information.

N-computing has also enabled students to develop strong academic skills in subjects considered harder by many, such as mathematics and some science subjects, by providing a platform for software that aids in instructing students on different topics, improving their knowledge and grasp of the subjects.

“While in the library reading or researching, our students do not have to physically meet a teacher to explain concepts, they just upload specific software they require for the subject in question and get all the additional coaching or instructions they need,” said Mr. Otieno.

N-computing further works by enabling multiple users to share one central processing unit (CPU). Each user still has their own monitor, keyboard, mouse and speakers. But instead of connecting directly to a personal computer, these peripherals are plugged into a small N-computing access terminal, which divides the processor’s power for multiple, independent sessions, thereby giving each user their own experience. The software is installed on the main server and over 50 students can access information on their own devices, simultaneously.

This has transformed learning at the academy. “N-computing has enabled our students to seamlessly share learning resources. They exchange ideas, books, experiences, class notes and solutions to academic problems through a click of a mouse. It is not like the traditional set up where students had to use hard disks to transfer information amongst them,” said Mr. Otieno.

N-computing has also enabled the students access the library catalogue faster. This is due to the fact that the N-technology permits the CPU to perform at higher speeds.

Since the introduction of N-computing technology at the academy, the school has additionally saved up to 75 per cent on hardware costs, with a single CPU now shared by multiple users, unlike the previous system of a single user for every single CPU. The electricity costs have also gone down, by about 90 per cent, with the newly purchased L300 N-computing devices enabling computers to use as little as 1 watt of electricity, compared to 110 watts for a regular PC.

The technology upgrade has delivered a sharp increase in student engagement in the library too, said Mr. Otieno. “There is more space, with all the extra CPUs now moved out, meaning the library can now accommodate many more students and they are able to interact freely without physical barriers or inconveniences,” he said.