The Khmer Writing App was developed out of an InSTEDD iLab iCamp to address low country-wide reading and writing scores among young children. Since its creation, one school has had several months to test and experience the benefits of using this educational, entertaining teaching aid. The Sor Se Khmer app is helping children in grades 1 through 3 to learn to read, write, and speak proper khmer through entertaining, interactive methods.

Chhorn Chhayyuth, Educational Technology Coordinator of Kampuchean Action for Primary Education (KAPE), who has been working closely with InSTEDD team in the development of the Sor Se Khmer App said, “The reason why we focus on reading and writing is because through our observation and information from the Education Quality Assurance Department the ability of students to read and write is very limited. We believe that to make students interested and improve their reading and writing skills, they must start from an early age.”

Chhayyuth also says that the teachers find that managing a large classroom becomes far easier when each student is getting interactive feedback via a tablet, for example. However he warns that “Sor Se Khmer does not replace a teacher in class, but serves as a magic whiteboard to supplement what is currently being taught.”

In June 2017, Chambok Korng Primary School became the first school to use the Khmer Writing App. Sok Sarom, Chambok Korng Primary School Director, said “The students like it a lot. All they had in the past is a hardcover storybook but now they have something new and visually appealing to learn from.”

Even with a limited amount of tablets available at the school, with proper organization, any student can experience this new method of learning. “We have a shared time-slot where the students who have difficulty in learning will be given the tablet to learn through the app, and a few extra tablets to borrowed at the library.”

Since the successful initial development and launch of the app it is now in the initial installation process in many different schools in Svay Rieng, Kampong Cham, Battambong and other provinces.

The partnership between KAPE and InSTEDD iLab is an example of a prototype from an iCamp that is currently helping children learn. As installation continues, the Khmer Writing App will continue to spread to more schools, and help more children.

Words by: Sok Somphoas Phalyka