Raspberry Pi, A Sustainable Internet Connectivity Solution for Master Craftsmen: A Case Study of Kenya Technical Trainers College

Abstract

PCF10 Sub-theme: Inspiring Innovations // The current educational disruption brought on by the Covid-19 epidemic has prompted a slew of investments and the usage of educational technologies for blended and virtual Learning. Despite the importance of online learning for emergency remote learning in most educational institutions, internet limitations in the country has remained a concern, making learning difficult. In response to this, KTTC in collaboration with COL, identified a Raspberry Pi technology to help and mitigate the internet issue. A study was done to ascertain this claim. A thousand trainees from five county regions in Kenya were chosen to undertake courses in master craftsmen. The courses were blended, that meant that trainers would take the trainees in face to face sessions and KTTC would provide internet connectivity through the use of Raspberry Pi to the training shades. A Raspberry Pi, would provide sufficient internet to 30 trainees sited at a distance of 70 meters from each other without the need to simulate existing internet connectivity. The study showed that it is possible to provide cheap internet to remote areas of a given region, hence enhancing the blended approaches to training. This case study recommends the implementation of Raspberry Pi use in sustainable internet provision. It further allows more research to be done to ascertain its findings. // Paper ID 4457