How well does Sparse Blended Learning work? A Case Study from a Developing Country

Blended learning in a classroom setting serves multiple purposes of helping students and teachers learn from experts in a field. However, it is challenging to design sustainable implementations of such paradigms in developing countries. For example, most schools in developing countries do not have the technology infrastructure required to implement such approaches. This paper presents a unique method called ‘sparse blended learning’ that covers the complete curriculum, but in only a few blended learning experiences spread throughout the school year. In addition to blended learning, the approach also incorporates a live remote tutor, and online assessments. The technological infrastructure is brought to the students in the form of a self-contained ‘learning van’ that contains an electrical generator, servers, satellite connectivity to the Internet, a WiFi network, and Android tablets. Content from Khan Academy was modified to use this approach for teaching Grade IV and V Mathematics in a remote semi-urban public mountain school in a developing country. The school caters mostly to the poorest children in the community. The results are that after over 6 months of intervention, there was a significant difference between control and treatment groups for both grades. Further, the effects are comparable to those expected from intelligent tutors.