The Internet Backpack: Transforming STEM Education, Agriculture and Economic Development in Liberia, West Africa

STEM education advancements in African contexts: A comprehensive review

“…The study suggests that such collaborations can lead to curriculum and pedagogy reform, enhancing science and mathematics participation and performance at all educational levels (Freeman, Marginson, and Tytler, 2019). Torto et al (2022) explore the impact of the Internet Backpack in Liberia, a technology that facilitates learning and has been deployed globally. Focusing on post-war Liberia, this project demonstrates how multi-stakeholder partnerships can effectively implement technologies to enhance STEM education.…”

“…Focusing on post-war Liberia, this project demonstrates how multi-stakeholder partnerships can effectively implement technologies to enhance STEM education. The Internet Backpack project, which includes environmental life sciences programs and sustainable agriculture, highlights the role of technology in transforming STEM education and its relevance to 21st-century development processes, including climate change mitigation (Torto et al, 2022).…”

“…In the context of Liberia, West Africa, Torto et al (2022) demonstrate how technological innovations like the Internet Backpack are transforming STEM education, thereby contributing to agricultural and economic development. This example underscores the potential of STEM education to catalyze transformational changes in development processes, improving living standards, healthcare, food security, and other indicators of human development in Africa (Torto et al, 2022). Furthermore, the intersection of racial identity and STEM identity development is crucial in the African context.…”

“…Moreover, the integration of STEM education with local contexts and challenges, such as climate change and food security, as seen in the work of Torto et al (2022), is vital. This approach ensures that STEM education is not just about importing global knowledge but also about applying it to local contexts and challenges, making it relevant and impactful for African communities.…”