- Cases
- Nigeria
Reimagining EdTech for Last-Mile Learners in Northeast Nigeria
01 Situation
SIn Northeast Nigeria, conflict and displacement have disrupted access to quality education for last-mile children. Traditional learning methods struggled to engage learners facing language barriers, overcrowded classrooms, and limited resources. Insights from field research and evaluation highlighted both the urgency and opportunity for innovation .
02 Assignment
Commissioned by IRC, the challenge was to assess how Mavis Talking Pens could improve learning outcomes, specifically determining optimal student-to-pen ratios to enhance engagement, equity, and classroom management in non-formal learning centers.
03 Approach
A decentralized, human-centered design process was deployed—embedding local researchers, observing real classroom dynamics, and co-creating insights with facilitators. Comparative testing (2:1 vs 4:1 ratios) revealed behavioral patterns, power dynamics, and environmental constraints shaping learning experiences.
04 Result
Smaller group ratios (2:1) significantly improved participation, reduced dominance, and strengthened peer collaboration. The solution increased learner motivation, improved literacy engagement, and was rated highly for accessibility and impact, with strong endorsement for future collaboration .
Enjoyed this case and want to dive deeper? We will connect you with the designers who worked on it.