Development of a computer-based tool for supporting impact assessments of EDU4D projects

Abstract

Impact assessments are crucial for measuring the effectiveness of developmental projects. However, hurdles such as the complexity, limited applicability and lack of empirical evidence of impact assessments are hinderances to use impact assessments more widely. Computer-based tools could help ease these problems as they can help the implementing process and foster usage. However, currently there are no computer-based tools available to support ICT for Development (ICT4D) impact assessments in the educational domain. For this research a computer-based tool was developed to support impact assessments of ICT4D projects in education (EDU4D). A literature study was performed and interviews with field experts were conducted to decide upon the requirements. Subsequently, a computer-based tool was developed which aims to guide the user to accurately perform a situational impact assessment method for EDU4D (SIAM-Ed) and to work in low resource environments. Finally, a small pilot study was conducted which showed positive results on the effectiveness of the tool.