Interrupting the cycles of extraction: Using open-source software and provisions of technology with local teams

• In Event: Utilizing open-source technology platforms to interrupt traditional norms of development

Proposal

Monitoring and evaluation and the technical requirements of data analysis, interpretation, and presentation often reinforce a cyclical relationship of collection, processing, and delivery. And while not always intentional, this often reinforces extractive structures. What does it take to interrupt this cycle and center data collection and analysis locally?
In collaboration with MIE’s UPRead project in Malawi, STS (through NRPIE) provided support for technical analysis and report writing based on curriculum field testing and monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities led by MIE. The first round of the project, in 2022, followed typical modes of implementation. The MIE, as a local partner, took the lead in tool development and data collection for M&E efforts related to curriculum development. STS provided virtual support, which led to challenges resulting in gaps in local agency, the report narrative, and the use of quantitative and qualitative data. STS continued to provide mentorship as the reporting process developed, through which the UPRead team gained useful analytical skills and make decisions based on actual data to improve decision making related to curriculum design, development, and implementation in Malawi. The initial experience served as a catalyst for change, prompting a reformulation of the STS-related M&E processes in this project.
One of the four key principles as argued by Costello (2000) to cooperative research and circumventing the “semi-colonial” model of research is the development of national research capacity. Mpofu and colleagues (2014) presents a model to change the M&E process by centering M&E within the local project partners by building the technical capacity of project implementers. The results of which led to an increase in data quality, use, and management. Following this model, STS focused subsequent support on building local analysis capabilities through open-source software along with the provision of computers to conduct research.
While initially this restructuring might seem both costly and time intensive, this presentation explores the impact of a small intervention, Chromebooks, and the systematic restructuring of M&E processes. The goal is to prioritize the technical aspects of curriculum development, piloting, and analysis by centering the technical work within local collaborators. The presentation focuses on the use of Chromebooks and open-source data analysis software (R), alongside in-country workshops, to centralize analysis and report writing within the country. Rather than extracting data and processing it externally, the project organized a workshop to integrate data cleaning, analysis, and report writing. Following the in-country workshop, local implementers were equipped with a report centered on the findings they personally experienced. More importantly, they gained the technology, skills, and systems to independently complete future analysis and reporting activities. The presentation highlights key factors for successful restructuring, reflections on improvements, and ideas for the scalability and scope of this approach.

Authors

• Melanie Phillips, School to School International

• Laura Oleson, School to School International

• Emily Crane, School-To-School International

• Shannon Reiffen, School to School International