Closing the Coordination Gap: Connecting Scattered Schools Through One Learning System | Somo Tech Literacy Centre (STLC)
Somo Tech Literacy Centre (STLC), formerly SomoTech Africa. Schools do not always have equal access to technology, training and learning support. A...
By Shekina Anyonna
Understanding the coordination gap
Imagine two schools teaching learners the same curriculum. One has access to digital tools, trained teachers and AI-powered learning resources, while the other struggles to access basic digital support. The difference may not be the commitment of the teachers or learners, but the systems connecting them to opportunities. This is the coordination gap.
Education is changing rapidly. With the growth of digital learning, Artificial Intelligence and other technologies, schools have more opportunities than ever to improve how learners access knowledge and skills. However, these opportunities are not always distributed equally. Schools in different communities may have varying levels of access to technology, training, learning resources and support.
Rather than having schools, organisations and educational partners working separately, there is a need for a connected learning system that brings them together. Such a system can help ensure that teachers and learners, regardless of the school they attend, can access the support and opportunities they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world.
Why learning support does not reach schools equally
Unequal access to learning support is one of the major challenges facing schools. While some schools may have computers, internet connectivity, trained teachers and digital learning materials, others may have limited access to these resources.
Reaching schools across different communities can also be challenging. Each school has its own timetable, infrastructure, teachers, learners and specific needs. Without proper coordination, organisations and partners may work with schools independently. This can result in some schools receiving repeated support while others receive little or none.
Teachers may also face challenges when adapting to emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence. A teacher may want to use AI to develop lesson plans, create learning activities or generate assessment ideas, but may not have received enough training to use these tools effectively and responsibly.
Providing technology or training once is therefore not enough. Schools need continuous support, communication and follow-up.
Connecting schools through a coordinated learning programme
A coordinated learning programme can help bridge this gap by bringing schools, teachers, learners, partners and programme coordinators into one connected system.
Instead of being treated as isolated institutions, schools can become part of a wider learning network where they can access training, digital resources, mentorship and support.
For example, programmes such as those run by Somo Tech Literacy Centre can create opportunities for teachers and learners to interact with emerging technologies and develop relevant digital skills. Through structured programmes, participants can be introduced to areas such as Artificial Intelligence, coding and robotics, mentorship and accessible digital learning.
A coordinated approach also makes it easier to understand what each school needs. One school may require teacher training on AI, while another may need support in digital literacy or access to learning resources. Coordination allows programmes to respond to these different needs while maintaining a common goal.
The process should not end when a training session ends. Follow-up and mentorship are essential to help teachers and learners apply what they have learned in their everyday activities.
Recommendations for stronger coordination
1. Strengthen communication
Schools, teachers, programme coordinators and partners should have reliable channels to communicate, share information and follow up on activities.
2. Create shared digital learning resources
A central digital platform can give teachers and learners access to learning materials, training guides and other useful resources. This can reduce duplication and make resources easier to share across different schools.
3. Strengthen teacher training and mentorship
Teachers need more than a one-time introduction to technology. Continuous training and mentorship can help them develop confidence in using tools such as AI and integrating digital resources into their teaching.
4. Encourage partnerships
Schools cannot address every challenge alone. Collaboration between schools, technology organisations, communities, education stakeholders and other partners can bring together different skills, resources and experiences.
5. Monitor and follow up on programmes
Programmes should regularly assess their impact. Following up with schools can help identify challenges, understand what support is still needed and improve future activities.
A connected future for learning
The future of education is not only about having access to technology. It is also about how effectively people, knowledge and resources are connected.
When schools operate in isolation, valuable opportunities and resources may remain unevenly distributed. A coordinated learning system can help close this gap by connecting schools, teachers, learners, partners and technology through a common framework.
Through continuous training, mentorship, communication and collaboration, programmes such as those supporting digital skills and AI can reach more schools and create lasting impact.
Ultimately, closing the coordination gap means creating an education system where a school's location does not determine the quality of learning opportunities available to its teachers and learners. A connected learning system can give schools the opportunity to learn from one another, access support and prepare young people for an increasingly digital world.