Remote Learning in Ethiopian UAS: The Role of VR/AR in Expanding Access
Picture a student in a rural village near Bahir Dar, 500 kilometers from Addis Ababa, joining a live UAS lecture via VR, assembling a virtual solar panel alongside urban peers. VR and AR are breaking geographic barriers, bringing quality education to Ethiopia’s remotest corners.
A notable case emerged in 2024 when Haramaya University partnered with Ethio Telecom to pilot a VR-based remote learning program, as covered by Capital Ethiopia. Targeting agricultural students in eastern Ethiopia, the project uses VR to simulate crop management techniques, allowing learners to practice in virtual fields without leaving home. “I can experiment with irrigation systems I’d never see otherwise,” said Mulugeta Bekele, a participant from a rural woreda. Meanwhile, AASTU’s virtual lab initiative, expanded this year, connects students in Amhara and Oromia regions to lab sessions via AR overlays on affordable smartphones.
This aligns with Ethiopia’s infrastructure push. In July 2024, Reuters reported Ethio Telecom’s rollout of 1,000 new broadband towers, part of a $1 billion network upgrade, enhancing connectivity in rural areas. Still, inconsistent power and limited device access pose challenges. As these gaps narrow, VR/AR are proving vital for remote UAS education, ensuring no student is left behind.
MaDE-for-UASs: Driving the Change
The MaDE-for-UASs project tackles these issues head-on by distributing VR/AR tools to rural UAS campuses and training lecturers to adapt curricula for remote learners. The project’s MaDE Centers serve as digital access points, providing hardware and technical support to bridge the urban-rural divide, making education equitable across Ethiopia.
MaDE4UAS
VR and AR are revolutionizing remote learning, ensuring that distance no longer limits educational opportunity in Ethiopia. This technology is paving the way for a more connected and educated society.