Freelancer Researcher

Project
The DigiBot platform uses WhatsApp chat-bots to deliver interactive and accessible training experiences: with an automated content delivery system that offers low-income learners an intuitive, self-guided experience within a platform they are already familiar with, at mínimal user cost, and in a way that means we can engage them on a long term basis and keep offering them new content, certification, and pathways to other opportunities. We have been building these DigiBots for two years with great success in uptake and engagement.
The DigiBot platform is a full WhatsApp Learning Management System:
The DigiBot is the most affordable e-Learning experience possible for the user
Lessons are accessible to learners wherever and whenever they want, at their own pace
Mobile-only UX design of content that allows for snackable learning on-the-go
Gamified Learning Management System with quizzes, leader boards, badges, and certificates
Tailored micro-learning curriculum with personalities tailored to our target markets, e.g.
? Kitso - Internet safety for educators
? Lesedi - Basic digital literacy
? Didi - Entry level mobile learning
Strategic partnerships with corporate and government
Continued development of new tools (including AI and CRM integration) and updated content
Event tracking and analytics
It’s a flexible, adaptable methodology that has the capability to help businesses, schools, universities, NGOs, and governments make educational experiences more accessible.
The focus of this grant would be to create content and tools specifically geared towards ECD
practitioners, offered via our existing DigiBot, Kitso. We aim to build a Proof Of Concept (POC) where we can demonstrate effective learning outcomes in improving the skills of ECD educators and therefore their ability to improve the learning of their classes. Over an 8 week period, we aim to research, curate, and implement comprehensive content within the bot to address the specific needs of ECD practitioners. This will serve as a valuable resource for ECD practitioners, providing them with relevant information and support to enhance their professional practices.
The brief
Early childhood development practitioners play a pivotal role in nurturing the cognitive, social, and emotional growth of children. In today's digital era, the integration of technology in teaching early childhood education is vital. To do this, teaching professionals need to understand the basics of digital literacy, and how to use digital technology as a teaching tool in the classroom. This research brief aims to uncover what specific learning content and learning goals we need to outline to meet this need:
ECD practitioners and schools
What digital facilities do they have in the classroom ( smart boards, laptops, tablets)?
What do they use WhatsApp for?
What teaching materials and resources do they have access to?
How do they plan and prepare teaching material?
What are the major teaching pain points (both in and out of the classroom) they encounter on a daily basis?
What is their current use of digital technology in the teaching process?
What do they feel they need more support in NGOs that work in the sector
What major gaps in basic digital literacy do these practitioners have?
How proficient are these practitioners in using digital technology and digital devices in the classroom?
Do they have knowledge of privacy settings and data protection to ensure the safety of children's information?
Is there an interest in using technology in the classroom? If yes, how and what would they like to use? If no, why?
What major teaching pain points do practitioners encounter on a daily basis?
Research deliverables

**Research Report**: A comprehensive research report summarizing the entire study, including the research objectives, methodology, findings, and conclusions.

**Research Objectives and Hypotheses**: Clearly defined research objectives and hypotheses that guided the study.3. Methodology: A detailed explanation of the research methodology used, including data collection methods, sample size, and data analysis techniques.

**Data Collection**: Raw data collected during the research, including surveys, interviews, or any other relevant data sources.

**Data Analysis**: The results of the data analysis, including statistical findings, correlations, and any significant insights related to WhatsApp as an LMS.

**Recommendations**: Clear recommendations based on the research findings, including suggestions for educators, institutions, and policymakers.

**Skilled required**:
**Education**:
A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as social sciences, natural sciences, economics, or a related discipline. A Master's degree or higher may be preferred.

**Research Experience**:
A minimum of 5-8 years of experience in research, either in academia, industry, or a research organization.
A strong track record of conducting and managing research projects.

**Research methodology**:
Proficie