The following is an excerpt from the OLI white paper, Beyond the Binary: The Power of Offline Internet, September 2024.
SolarSPELL is an initiative led by Arizona State University that leverages solar-powered, portable digital libraries to enhance educational opportunities in remote and underserved areas around the world.
The core mission of SolarSPELL is to empower learners by providing localized educational content and training to build 21st-century skills in environments without reliable internet access.
Train-the-Trainer model
SolarSPELL’s approach includes the creation of curated, localized digital libraries; the deployment of innovative technology; robust training through a Train-the-Trainer model; and a continuous cycle of impact evaluation for iterative improvement.
Training is integral to the initiative’s success, with the Train-the-Trainer model ensuring that local educators and community leaders are equipped with the necessary skills to utilize and sustain the technology and content provided. Too often technology is deployed in schools and communities without providing adequate, quality training. The result is that those devices sit in cupboards unused.
SolarSPELL’s approach ensures that communities are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to meaningfully engage with the content, devices, and hardware.
Quality content
The process of content collection, curation, and distribution is central to SolarSPELL’s effectiveness. The team collaborates with various organizations to source credible and accurate open-access content that can be freely copied and shared.
Each resource undergoes rigorous metadata tagging and keywording by a diverse team of interns and staff, including undergraduate and graduate students, librarians, and international development practitioners. This meticulous organization ensures that all content is easily searchable and relevant to the specific needs and cultural contexts of each community.
Innovative hardware and software
A unique element of SolarSPELL’s operation is its innovative hardware: a solar-powered, rugged device designed for durability and ease of use in challenging environments.
This device, which can be charged via solar power or USB, incorporates patent-pending charge control technology that displays battery life, ensuring users can manage power effectively. Weighing just 2.8 pounds, the device is both waterproof and shockproof, made from recycled plastic, and built to withstand the elements, making it ideal for field deployment.
In tandem with robust hardware, SolarSPELL utilizes open-source, offline-first software that allows for the creation and dissemination of digital libraries.This software supports a wide array of educational content and interactive resources, enabling communities to access valuable learning materials without needing an internet connection.
By effectively combining robust training, comprehensive content curation, rugged hardware, and dynamic open-source software, SolarSPELL underscores the profound impact such solutions can have. This initiative’s success serves as a compelling case study for the global potential of Offline Internet solutions to create lasting change in underserved communities worldwide.
Impact
The impact of SolarSPELL is significant and widespread. To date, the initiative has successfully implemented 597 digital libraries across 15 countries, trained over 960 individuals, and reached an estimated 300,000 people.
This extensive outreach demonstrates SolarSPELL’s commitment to transforming educational access globally. By continuously monitoring usage and gathering feedback through tools like usage tracking software and interviews, SolarSPELL adapts and refines its libraries and training programs to meet evolving needs.
This data-driven approach ensures the initiative remains responsive and effective, further amplifying its educational impact.