Makini Schools, ADvTech partner to onboard AI-enabled learning platform

Makini Schools in collaboration with ADvTECH group, has announced the rollout of ADvLEARN, an innovative AI-enabled learning tool for students.

The platform, which is both app and web-based, utilises adaptive learning technology to enhance learning outcomes of different learners in Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics.

ADvTECH Group, a private education provider, has a Schools division which comprises nine brands with more than 108 schools across South Africa and the rest of Africa.

It also includes Gaborone International School in Botswana, The Makini Group of Schools, and Crawford International School in Kenya.

The announcement comes at a time when Crawford International School successfully unveiled the platform for their Cambridge curriculum, IGCSE and AS level students.

The platform targets year seven to 12 students in Mathematics (Cambridge), year 10 to 11 (IGCSE) and year 12 students (AS levels) in Physics as well as year 10 to 11 (IGCSE) and year 12 students (AS levels) in Chemistry.

ADvLEARN offers a personalized approach to learning by empowering teachers to identify and address knowledge gaps for each student in key subjects through the use of AI-generated data insights.

It utilizes algorithms to analyse individual learning styles, strengths and areas for improvement, enabling the creation of custom learning pathways that ensure a better understanding of concepts in different subjects.

Powered by data-driven insights, ADvLEARN also aims to furnish teachers with a thorough understanding of student performance.

The learning analytics supplied by the platform are designed to deliver valuable perceptions into individual areas that require extra attention.

This empowerment allows teachers to make well-informed decisions regarding instructional methods and interventions tailored to the unique needs of each learner.

This platform, which has been successfully rolled out in 37 schools in Africa within the ADvTECH schools division, positively impacting over 13,500 students, is set to be fully operational by May 2024 in all Makini schools.

To support this initiative, Makini Schools has made a significant investment of Sh150 million which has been allocated for infrastructure upgrades across all its campuses in Kenya.

This will enable the schools to expand Wi-Fi accessibility both inside and outside classrooms, onboard state-of-the-art projectors, and sound bars, ensuring a seamless transition to online lessons when needed.

Additionally, Makini Schools teachers will be equipped with the latest digital devices and training aimed at enhancing their teaching capabilities.

Speaking during a roundtable session with Nairobi-based journalists, Makini Schools regional MD Horace Mpanza expressed enthusiasm stating that ADvTECH is committed to delivering digital innovation in education.

“This will enhance the quality of academic offerings across all our schools and equip students with the tools they need to thrive in this ever-evolving landscape of modern learning,” he said.

“Once we complete the infrastructure upgrade, all Makini teachers will undergo training facilitated by ADvTECH's central academic team, led by academic director, Desiree Hugo. The rollout of ADvLEARN is scheduled to commence in May this year.”

Mpanza added that the platform seeks to bring about hybrid learning where students get to experience learning both traditionally i.e., with pen and paper and digitally.

ADvLEARN aims to create a secure online environment that complements traditional classroom learning by offering personalized assignments to learners enabling real-time progress monitoring by teachers.

The platform also equips teachers with precise insights into each student's strengths and weaknesses allowing teachers to tailor-teach to suit the needs of learners, addressing specific learning gaps.

As a result, it seeks to foster a more effective educational experience.

According to ADvTECH 2023 data, students who regularly engage with the platform experience marked improvements in their grades, with progress rates between 15 per cent and 29 per cent.

This, ADvTECH stated, indicates potential effectiveness in embracing technology in education.

ADvTECH schools division academic head Desiree Hugo said they are confident, the platform will usher schools into the next phase of tech-enabled learning by leveraging the benefits of AI.

“Our community of teachers in Kenya has shown great enthusiasm for the platform and we look forward to its successful integration into learning at Makini,” she said.

ADvLEARN has been specifically developed by MathU for the ADvTECH group of schools.

After five years of research and laying the foundation, ADvLEARN was rolled out across South African schools in 2023.