Treffer: Sustainable e-learning for theologians in hard-to-reach areas: The Bible Online Learner App

Madagascar is ranked at 154 on the human development index. During the dry period, it is hit by daily blackouts. Internet connections are poor. This makes e-learning difficult. My paper will present a possible solution to this problem: I will present a technical solution of how to realize e-learning systems for theologians in hard-to-reach areas by using Raspberry Pi mini-computers as servers and explain why so-called progressive web apps, which are single page-apps are now suitable for this approach; rather I will show how a client-server solution with a Raspberry Pi Server hosting an Emdros database of the Hebrew Bible and a native Android App, written in Java can provide Bible Online Learner Network Kits. The Raspberry Pis are set up as servers in independent computer networks, which do not rely on an internet connection and which are mobile access points. These servers handle the backend code, have the logic to create random exercises for the Bible OL App and send this information via a JSON string to the client app, realized as an Android app written in Java. For this client-side development I paid special attention to the challenges of computer illiterate students. I solved these challenges by using picture-based logins. As a result I developed the design für the Bible Online Learner App and the Bible Online Network Kit, which works with power banks as uninterruptable power supplies as well as a solar power kit, which enables e-learning in hard-to-reach areas in Africa even during the dry season.