DEVELOPMENT AND EVALUATION OF A SOLAR-POWERED MOBILE LEARNING CART FOR USE IN OFF-GRID RURAL CLASSROOMS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA
Abstract
ABSTRACT
This study designed, locally constructed and evaluated a solar-powered mobile learning
cart aimed at enhancing teaching and learning in off-grid rural classrooms in Northern
Nigeria. A solar-powered mobile learning cart is a portable educational technology system
powered by solar energy, designed to deliver digital learning resources in areas without
reliable electricity. It typically includes components such as solar panels, rechargeable
batteries, multimedia devices (e.g., projectors, laptops, or tablets), charging ports, and
storage compartments, allowing teachers and students to access and utilize modern
instructional tools anywhere, especially in off-grid or rural environments. Guided by the
Design and Development Research (DDR) approach anchored in the ADDIE model
(Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation), the study identified key
instructional needs through data collected from 40 respondents (20 teachers and 20
students) in rural schools. Findings revealed critical barriers such as limited electricity
access (100%), lack of modern instructional tools (100%), inadequate learning resources
(100%), and poor internet connectivity (95%). These informed the design of a costeffective, solar-powered cart built from locally sourced materials, integrating charging
ports, multimedia display, and storage units. Validation by experts in educational
technology, engineering, and renewable energy confirmed its functionality, portability, and
safety, while the SPMLCEQ instrument achieved a Cronbach’s Alpha of 0.82, indicating
high reliability. Usability tests showed that 70% of users found the cart easy to operate,
67.5% agreed it enhanced lesson delivery and engagement, and over 65% attested to its
durability and low maintenance needs. The study concludes that the solar-powered mobile
learning cart is a viable, sustainable innovation capable of improving digital learning
access and instructional quality in resource-constrained rural settings
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