LoHo Learning is revolutionizing e-learning by harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to create a more interactive and accessible education experience for schoolchildren across the country. Founded last year as an offshoot of Nairobi Securities Exchange-Longhorn Publishers, this local startup aims to increase access to high-quality education through innovative AI-based solutions.
The inspiration behind LoHo Learning came from the rising costs that Longhorn Publishers faced due to the collapse of Pan Paper Mills and the ban on logging, which led to a sharp increase in the price of paper. To adapt to these challenges, Longhorn developed Longhorn Digital, a department focused on creating innovative educational solutions. Recognizing the potential of AI, the firm decided to establish LoHo Learning as a separate business in 2022.
According to industry reports, the global turnover from AI is expected to exceed $300 billion annually by 2025. Riding the wave of this AI revolution, LoHo Learning has incubated two products: Kalamu, an AI e-learning platform, and LH eBooks, which provide interactive content such as videos, puzzles, and simulations.
Kalamu, the AI e-learning platform, enables learners to ask AI for explanations of educational concepts. This interactive feature helps students understand difficult topics even when the teacher is not present. By breaking down answers in a way that is easy to understand, Kalamu enhances the learning experience. Meanwhile, LH eBooks cater to both the old 8-4-4 learning system and the new competency-based curriculum (CBC) approved by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD). These interactive eBooks cover a wide range of subjects and are regularly updated to ensure accuracy.
LoHo Learning charges learners an annual fee of Ksh 1,000 for access to the AI content on Kalamu and Ksh 500 for the eBooks. With 45,000 assessments already available on the AI platform, including interactive assessments, illustrations, short notes, and questions, teachers can utilize these resources to set homework assignments or create work schemes.
Recognizing the need for inclusivity, LoHo Learning is working to make its content accessible to differently-abled learners. For instance, they have embedded their eBooks with a sign language interpreter to serve the deaf community. Additionally, LoHo Learning aims to address the challenge of limited electricity and internet access in some schools, especially in rural areas, by providing both online and offline versions of their books. This allows learners to download the materials when they are connected to the internet and access them offline.
LoHo Learning has already made significant progress, with 120 schools and approximately 38,000 learners utilizing its online version. In addition, 22 schools in Dadaab are using the offline version. However, the startup faces challenges due to the lack of electricity, internet access, and sufficient funding allocated to public schools for the adoption of new learning technologies, particularly in rural areas.
Through its AI-powered solutions, LoHo Learning is bridging the gap between traditional education approaches and the digital age. By making learning more interactive, engaging, and accessible, this local startup is revolutionizing e-learning in Kenya and paving the way for a brighter future for schoolchildren nationwide.
In conclusion, LoHo Learning’s utilization of AI in e-learning is transforming the educational landscape by providing innovative and interactive solutions to enhance the learning experience. With its AI platform Kalamu and interactive eBooks, LoHo Learning is making quality education more accessible to students across Kenya. By addressing the challenges of cost, inclusivity, and limited resources, LoHo Learning is playing a significant role in shaping the future of education in the country.
