Laptop Program launched in Doti
School Survey
July 2017 | Doti
The onsite survey for the selection of schools was conducted by two teams each consisting two members, between the second and third week of July. Before conducting school survey, OLE Nepal in cooperation with District Education Office (DEO) Food for Education (FFE) of Doti launched a call for applications from the schools. The application forms were provided to the schools through resource centers and FFE’s food distribution units.
Applications were accepted over a period of a month. A total 32 number of schools which are the part of FFE program applied for the program.
The team first shortlisted 22 potential schools based on the criteria that was developed with Doti DEO office in consultation with officials. During the school visits, the team assessed the physical infrastructure of the school, commitment of the teacher towards the program, and community involvement in the school activities.
After the school visits, the team discussed the findings and convened at Doti DEO office to make the final selection of 15 schools. Chief District Education Officer Mr. Aananta Paudel, FFE unit chief Mr. Rabindra Bhandari, Head Sub office WFP Mr. Rabindra Chand, and other DEO officials were present at the meeting. We would like to thank Doti DEO and FFE’s officials for their close cooperation in the process of schools selection.
The following list refers to the 15 selected schools for the laptop program.
| SN | Name of School | Location | Gaunpalika/ Nagarpalika |
| 1 | Sautimandu Basic School | Sukati – 7 | Bogatan |
| 2 | Gurudev Basic School | Damuli -7 | Bogatan |
| 3 | Nawadurga Basic School | Dauda – 4 | Bogatan |
| 4 | Betaleshowar Basic School | Jajala – 4 | Bogatan |
| 5 | Mahunyal Basic School | Dumari -5 | Bogatan |
| 6 | Sitaram Basic School | Dalla – 3 | KI Singh |
| 7 | Gangardev Basic School | Basarkot – 3 | KI Singh |
| 8 | Krishana Nagar Basic School | Barpata – 11 | Shikhar Nagarpalika |
| 9 | Akandajyoti Basic School | Amdora -11 | Shikhar Nagarpalika |
| 10 | Kalika Basic School | Kimadi -11 | Shikhar Nagarpalika |
| 11 | Kalika Basic School | Khulek – 2 | Dipayal Silgadhi Nagarpalika |
| 12 | Kaladhunga Basic School | Basai – 2 | Sayal |
| 13 | Bhawani Acquire Basic School | Panikhal – 3 | Sayal |
| 14 | Deiukhola Basic School | Biralkada – 6 | Sayal |
| 15 | Bhairab Basic School | Vadisen – 5 | Adharsha |
Preparation for laptop deployment
July 2017 | Lalitpur
Laptops for Doti program arrived on June 20. After the arrival of laptops, our technical team conducted round of testing. These laptops were first, quickly checked and tested to ensure that they were in working condition. They then installed the localized operating system on all laptops and loaded various digital learning content including the E-Paath activities. After the completion of testing and installation of the digital content, all the laptops were packed carefully for shipping to Doti. The laptops were delivered by transport service via road to Silgadi and then handed over to school teachers.
The procurement of equipment for the program schools in Doti was completed in the month of July. The equipment included server (digital library), switch, routers, network cables, powerstrips and other accessories. Our technical team configured the servers and loaded the digital library repository containing more than 7,500 number of a textbook, audio books, audio video materials, Wikipedia and other educational related material.
The power requirement at the schools in Doti was finalized following the schools survey in the month of July, and the installation of power backup system was carried out between August and September.
For proper classroom infrastructure setup, specially designed laptop desks and benches for all 15 schools in Dot were built. A total 116 sets of desks and benches were manufactured for the E-Paati-laptop rooms at the schools. These desks and benches were designed to enable laptop-integrated classes and are suitable for primary school students. Each set of desk and bench will seat up to 3 students, and the desks have slots to put laptops when not being used. The furniture was transported to Dipayal and then handed over to focal persons from the schools. Those schools that are far from road had to arrange separate local porters to carry it to their schools.
Orientation for schools and communities
August 2017 | Doti
After the selection of 15 schools, the first task was to orient the teachers and different stakeholders about the program. OLE Nepal conducted an orientation program for the teachers and parents of 15 selected schools on August 10 and 18 for 5 schools (Bogatan cluster) and 10 schools (KI Singh- Sikhar and Adarsha- Sayal, Dipayal-Silgadi cluster) respectively, in Doti. The main objective of the program was to discuss the basic preparation that the schools need to do before the launch of the program and sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the schools and OLE Nepal. Three participants from each school; a representative from teacher, school management committee (SMC), and parent teacher association (PTA) were invited to participate the program.
After the brief description of the program roles and responsibilities of both parties, a discussion was held regarding the provision of MoU. The program was effective as it provided an opportunity for both parties to discuss the possible roles and responsibilities of both parties before and during the implementation of program. The program was equally beneficial for clearing confusions regarding the program.
Mr. Ananta Kumar Paudel, District Education Officer along with other officials of Doti District Education Office were present at the program. Mr Rabindra Chand and Rojina Karki representing WFP Sub Office were also present at the program.
Teacher training
August 2017 | Doti
Our team of four trainers and two technical staff from OLE Nepal successfully conducted seven days’ intensive training for the teachers of fifteen primary school in Doti. During the training, teachers were given an in-depth idea about the combination of theory and practice on teaching through the laptops. The training focused on the ways and methods of effective integration of digital learning resources and textbooks in the classroom. As the use of computers was new to most of the teachers in the training, they were given basic training about the computers. This includes the basic introduction of parts and figures of the computer such as keyboard, screen, keypad, cables, speakers, etc.
After familiarizing the basics about the computer, teachers were introduced to E-Paath and E-Pustakalaya. They were given a comprehensive knowledge about the E-Paath, our national curriculum based interactive digital learning resources and E-Pustakalaya. They were also given ample time to explore and practice on E-Paath and resources available in E-Pustakalaya. Teachers were also trained on how to effectively integrate these learning resources in their classrooms.
Different sessions dedicated to educational philosophies and child learning theory were also included during the training. These sessions were very helpful for the teachers to understand about the different teaching practices and ways children learn. Besides that, the teachers were also informed about the importance and techniques for effective classroom management. Different aspects of management, such as job chart preparation, rules and routine preparation for E-Paati integrated classroom teaching were discussed and practiced.
The training which was conducted from August 11 to 25 were divided in three groups covering five schools in each group at Silgadhi, Doti. The first training included teachers from five schools and the second training was conducted in parallel sessions, covering teachers from ten schools (two groups). Altogether 65 (24 female and 41 male) teachers and 8 resource persons participated in the training.
The training which was held right before the program launch at the schools included presentations, interactions, hands-on activities, practice teaching, and planning exercises to prepare teachers to successfully conduct technology-integrated classes.
Ms. Judy Phuong from WFP country office and Ms. Rozina Karki from WFP Sub Office (SO) also observed the second phase training.
After completing the initial training, the digital literacy program (laptop program) was formally launched in the presence of Mr. Ananta Kumar Paudel, Doti District Education Officer; Mr. Rabindra Chand, Head of WFP SO, Dipayal; and Mr. Rabindra Bhandari, Unit Chief FFE, Doti. The laptops were handed to head teachers following the successful completion of the 7-day long initial teacher training. Each school was provided with the number of laptops equivalent to maximum number of students in any class between grades 2 and 5.
School network set-up in schools in Doti
September 2017 | Doti
Following the completion of teacher training, two teams from OLE Nepal, comprising of engineers and technical staff, traveled to program schools from September 7 to 18, to set up the local intranet, and connect the school server to all laptops. During the visit, the team also checked the solar power systems that were installed by Gham Power to verify that they met the specifications and functional requirements. The team also oriented the teachers on basic operation and handling of the equipment such as solar batteries, inverters, solar panels and other related system in the respective program schools.
Baseline survey in Doti program schools
September 2017 | Doti
Baseline survey at fifteen schools in Doti was carried out from September 7 to 18 by our deployment team. The main purpose of the survey was to assess the student achievement before the introduction of the laptop program in the schools. 
Survey of students was based on the subject and grades. Around 12 to 15 sample students from grade 2 to 5 were chosen randomly for the survey in Nepali, English, science and maths subject. The result of this survey will be compared with midline survey, which will be conducted during the project period. This will help us to understand the impact of the program in the students and schools. We are currently in the process of data entry, collected from the survey for statistical analysis. The results of this survey will be shared in the next reporting month.