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The Challenge
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How might we increase the availability of affordable learning tools & services for students in the developing world?
Concept
One computer per block
Technology is almost impossible given the low-affordability restrictions. How do we get past that and enable locals to have access to the greatest resource humankind has ever invented: the internet.
Let's create a self-contained, self-powering computer that sits in a public location, easily accessibly by all. It's solar powered, durable, has access to the internet via satellite and has a sign up list to allow all to use it in a timely, orderly fashion.
Who would implement this?
- NGOs and Foundations
Cost
A computer per person is unreasonable. Being able to power those computers and enable them with internet access is even more unreasonable. This is a unit that is a) durable [steel and bulletproof plexiglass] b) self-sufficient [solar powered, remote access to fix basic problems] c) connected [satellite or wifi access].
Granted, this isn't the most cost-efficient of ideas - people will have to pay for internet access. If an alliance could be achieved with a local ISP, the problems would be solved. Other than that, donations for individuals or organizations would aid the cause.
Granted, this isn't the most cost-efficient of ideas - people will have to pay for internet access. If an alliance could be achieved with a local ISP, the problems would be solved. Other than that, donations for individuals or organizations would aid the cause.
Distribution & Delivery
This concept has a bit more up-front thought process. How do we make it solar powered? How do we make it durable? What are the optimal locations? All of these variables are attributed to the acceptance of the technology.
However, the positive trait is that this idea doesn't fall under the traditional paradigm of a "school". It's simply allowing access to the world's greatest knowledge base without any cost.
Imagine if every student could be taught to use the internet and complete homework in the process...
However, the positive trait is that this idea doesn't fall under the traditional paradigm of a "school". It's simply allowing access to the world's greatest knowledge base without any cost.
Imagine if every student could be taught to use the internet and complete homework in the process...
Adoption
The presence of an in-public object like the one illustrated would be similar to a post-box - it's in the open, visible and different. It would promote itself.
In addition, school teachers would provide homework that could only be completed by accessing one of these kiosks - further instilling that this technology is essential for this generation and generations to come.
In addition, school teachers would provide homework that could only be completed by accessing one of these kiosks - further instilling that this technology is essential for this generation and generations to come.
Comments
September 14, 2010, 06:10AM
September 12, 2010, 10:53AM
September 08, 2010, 09:42AM
September 08, 2010, 03:15AM
Keane Angle
September 08, 2010
02:55AM 375 views 4 comments 3 applause Bookmark terms and conditions
02:55AM 375 views 4 comments 3 applause Bookmark terms and conditions
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