By Enedelsy Escobar-King, member of the Rotary Club of Panamá Norte and of the Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group
The journey to creating meaningful change often starts with a simple act of kindness. Our project to establish interactive digital classrooms in primary schools was born from such a moment. We started by visiting local schools to distribute backpacks to children, a service activity focused on providing students with essential supplies. While the initiative was well-received, it quickly became apparent that a more significant solution was needed to address the deeper challenges within the schools. After conducting a community assessment, it was clear there was a growing digital gap and the need to improve the quality of education. We gathered support from all the Panama’s Ministry Education information technology technicians, teachers, students, administration, and most importantly, that of the Rotary Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group and The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers, so that together, they could help us design the best intervention. On a continuous basis throughout the development and the implementation of the project, we received their advice, bringing additional value and outside expertise as valuable participants of the project.
From providing assistance to increasing impact
Our initial efforts were short term in nature—providing immediate, tangible support to students. However, we recognized a pressing need: the digital divide between public and private schools was stark and growing. Many students lacked access to the technology that has become essential in modern education, leaving them at a disadvantage compared to their peers in more affluent areas.
The public education system accommodates 88% of Panama’s student population, of which only 40% have access to internet and 30% access to computers. In the private school system, with only 12% of the student population, 90% have access to the internet and 75% have access to computers. The Covid-19 pandemic made this divide more evident when 45% of public schools were completely disconnected and did not offer classes, unlike private schools where students adapted to virtual lessons and were able to continue their learning from home. This finding was the foundation for the interactive digital classroom project.
The goal was clear: to close the digital gap and enhance learning outcomes for students in public schools by integrating technology into their daily education. We envisioned classrooms where digital tools helped foster engagement, improve comprehension, and ultimately provide students with the skills they need to thrive in a digital world. The project could not succeed without considering teachers’ digital competencies. We organized a comprehensive learning program for teachers to provide training to many teachers from schools with and without interactive classrooms to help prepare them if they switched schools or for when the program expanded to their school.
Positive outcomes: a look at the early results
The implementation of the interactive digital classrooms has already shown promising results. Preliminary data indicates a noticeable improvement in reading comprehension among students in the participating schools. The interactive elements of the digital tools have made reading more engaging, helping students better understand and retain information.
The Aprendamos Todos A Leer (Let’s All Learn to Read), a diagnostic test on reading comprehension, has shown that schools with the interactive classroom have performed better in the test when compared to similar schools without the interactive classroom. Now we are focused on strengthening the evaluation of student’s performance in schools with interactive schools versus those in schools without the classrooms.
But the impact goes beyond academic performance. Teachers have observed a significant increase in student motivation. Students who previously showed little interest in class are now eager to participate. The digital classroom’s interactive nature has transformed learning from a passive activity into an engaging, dynamic experience. This newfound enthusiasm is not only improving individual student outcomes but also creating a more vibrant and participatory classroom environment.
Empowering teachers and engaging parents
The project has also had a positive effect on the teachers, who find teaching with digital tools more enjoyable and effective. The interactive classroom environment allows for a more personalized approach to teaching, enabling educators to cater to the diverse learning needs of their students. This has made the teaching process not only easier but also more fulfilling, as teachers see their students actively engaged and making progress.
Parents, too, have become more involved in their children’s education. Introducing new teaching methodologies has sparked their interest, leading to increased participation in school activities and a greater emphasis on supporting their children learning at home. This heightened parental engagement provides students with the critical support they need at home to succeed in school.
Bridging the divide: A win-win for all
The interactive digital classroom project has proven to be a win-win for everyone involved. By helping close the digital gap between private and public schools, we are contributing so that students and teachers have the tools they need to succeed in the 21st century. The project has not only improved learning outcomes but also fostered a more inclusive and equitable educational environment.
As we continue to expand this initiative, we remain committed to our mission of making a lasting impact on the lives of students, teachers, and the broader community. The Interactive Digital Classroom project is a testament to what can be achieved when we shift our focus from providing materials to creating meaningful, long-term impact in the lives of our children.
Editor’s note:
Do you have a passion for education and want to make a lasting impact? Join the Basic Education and Literacy Rotary Action Group!
Explore the Rotary’s Action Plan toolkit and the Developing Effective Projects page to create meaningful service projects that align with Rotary’s goals. Connect with Rotary Action Groups to learn about successful projects and their experiences.
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