The University of Nottingham as part of Midlands Graduate School is inviting applications for an ESRC Doctoral Studentship in association with our collaborative partner the XPRIZE Foundation to commence in October 2019.
This studentship will investigate how digital technologies might provide high-quality basic education to marginalised children worldwide. Acquiring elementary literacy and numeracy skills is a basic human right. Yet, despite global efforts to increase access to primary education, 330 million children of primary school age are unable to read and do basic mathematics. To address this global crisis, the XPRIZE Foundation, a non-profit organisation based in Los Angeles, launched the Global Learning XPRIZE, to challenge teams from around the world to develop a digital technology solution that will teach basic literacy, numeracy, and writing skills to marginalised children outside of the traditional school setting. From over 350 teams that applied, five finalist teams were selected to be trialled with 2500 children, aged 9-11 years, from across 150 remote villages in Tanzania. Literacy, numeracy, and writing skills were assessed using standardised instruments for individual children before and after a 15-month period where children worked with the apps. The team that produces the largest learning gains will win the $10million USD competition. Results will be announced in the second quarter of 2019.
How to Apply
View further information about the opportunity here.
To be considered for this PhD, please complete the Collaborative Studentship application form available online here and email it along with a cover letter, CV, and two references, to Chris Atkinson at sszcra@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk.
Application deadline: Friday 8 March 2019
Posted on Monday 28th January 2019