A Practical Alternative

DDL Lite is the offline version of our digital library of open educational resources (OER), the Darakht-e Danesh Library. Our team sets up a local area network (LAN) with a simple computer that acts as the server to other computers at the site. From this local server, the computer network can access the library. Occasionally, the server is connected to the Internet, such as through a 3G or 4G network from a mobile phone, and the local server can then sync with the main DDL server, sending all the newly uploaded resources that were added to the library since the last connection. We train someone local to run and maintain their DDL Lite installation, and we check up on all sites throughout the year, providing ongoing technical support. DDL Lite is a practical alternative to make sure people can still benefit from DDL in more remote areas, and it’s one example of how we’ve innovated technological solutions that work for the Afghan context, helping connect people with access to information no matter where they live. DDL Lite has been installed in teacher training colleges (TTCs) throughout Afghanistan, as well as in schools and libraries, with more installations planned for the future. See locations where DDL Lite runs. CW4WAfghan also works to bring TTCs online, through our Internet Connectivity at TTCs project.