About

Leveling the Playing Field

Reaching more learners with EDC's app-authoring system

An mLearning Platform for All

Stepping Stone is an app-authoring platform that lets you design and export your own mLearning app. Designed to simplify app development without sacrificing rich, interactive content, now anyone can make an app, to teach anything to anyone. We designed it for use by country governments and organizations who want to harness and control the power of mLearning.

Free to Use & Open Source

Stepping Stone is free to use for both App developers and end users.

Minimal Production Costs

No coding skills are required. Non-technical staff can create mLearning apps in the field using locally-produced media content.

Your App, Your Content

The platform offers a selection of interactive media templates to fill with fully customizable content. With simplified assembly and low production costs, Stepping Stone apps can be hyper localized. Now you can export unique apps with custom graphics & language for every ethnic group you serve.

Running Offline for Zero Data Costs

End users do not incur data costs as Stepping Stone apps run 100% offline. Learners enjoy unlimited interaction with your rich media content, without download costs since the app is installed on the device memory. No need to think twice about returning to review video content, or retaking quizzes.

User Data Tracking

Data connections are available to opt-into. Turn it on to track user progress or offer them certification testing.

Pedagogical Flexibility

What is the best teaching approach for your target population? Stepping Stone was created to accommodate your instructional design ideas be they individualized instruction, group work or blended Learning.

Outcomes

• Student Reading: Mother Tongue reading activities for the touchscreen boost children’s fluency and comprehension
• Teacher Instruction: School training phones drive in-service teacher training and share local footage of best-practice instruction
• Medical Practice: Clinic based reference tablets enable workplace
research and procedural refresher training for nurses and counsellors
• Business & Livelihoods: Youth entrepreneurs and small farmers receive on-the-job business and agricultural training

Evidence

In a randomized control trial, users of Stepping Stone via Vernacular early-grade reading apps in Zambia, significantly outperformed both a control group and a comparison group using paper versions of the activities. The cost of the Vernacular app over time was also lower than paper and pencil materials, with much higher returns on investment in terms of student reading outcomes.