UNESCO has launched a project in Senegal that leverages mobile technologies to support student learning in mathematics. The project is being implemented by two local partners : RESAFAD (Réseau Africain de Formation à Distance – Sénégal) and CRFPE (Centre Régionale de Formation de Personnels de l’Education de Dakar). 

To date, the implementing partners have tailored a mobile-based mathematics application developed by Nokia to match the national curriculum.  The partners are now preparing approximately 100 teachers to use the application with 8 to 11 year-old students. 

The technology is unique because it allows students to master mathematical concepts in a dynamic digital environment that can be accessed from virtually any mobile phone.  Students can work on practice problems at home, in school, or from any other location at any time.  Detailed information about the progress of groups of students as well as individual learners is stored on remote servers and immediately available to instructors.  UNESCO and its partners are training Senegalese teachers how to use the application to gain deeper insights into the learning needs of their students and constructively respond to these needs. 

The RESAFAD, which is part of the Senegalese Ministry of Education, has expressed an interest in training more teachers how to use the mathematics application and spreading it to more schools.  The RESAFAD is also exploring how similar mobile applications might support teaching and learning in the physical sciences.