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Intel leaps ahead with Classmate PC At EIndia 2008
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Eindia2008 (29 July -31 July) the biggest ICT event of India witnessed emerging technologies and e-solutions. Amidst all, the most vouching was The Classmate PC powered by Intel – a rugged laptop of 7”/9” Color LCD promoted as effective learning device for young students.
A hand on experience of this colorful, compact and ergonomically friendly designed laptop was impressive. It runs on Intel Mobile Processor ULV 900 MHz with OS as Windows XP, 2GB storage device and 512MB RAM. It has built in speakers and Microphone, Battery life of 3.5/5 Hours usage. In short classmate PC has all the features which any laptop could provide. The Classmate has been loaded with educational oriented features and aims at bringing students and teachers in an interactive learning experience. When I went through the demo I had only one thought running across my mind.. Why was it never in my schooling days?
Few interesting features are parents control over when and what child can do and access, teachers can share screen with class, distribute quizzes and control all PCs in classroom simultaneously. So, a child can not play computer games or connect to internet if he does not suppose to.
Isn’t it all sounds fascinating .. Imagine a classmate becoming mandatory in school as our textbooks!
But are we ready to take it the big way? To make best use of The Classmate means change in the way lessons are being imparted and that would mean a paradigm shift in lesson plans and e- content management. First and fore most essential step would be to make our teachers aware of technology who are more than reluctant or rather say paranoid to use ICT as a teaching tool. Now these do sound like a herculean task.
Though I am completely impressed by the product despite of our education systems limitations a question is haunting me “why Intel decided to promote it only as a classroom device but not as a cheap affordable laptop for multipurpose?
Probably because this is HCL’s Mileap top which it is selling commercially at a price of 17 odd thousand. Intel has just joined hands with HCL to provide the same in schools at subsidized rates. News has it that this Classmate PC will be available at Rs.10000.
I guess this is only the beginning of the age of Wifi campuses and classroom and laptops replacing traditional books. Can Amazon Kindle have a big market in India for educational purposes? Its much lighter than a laptop and can read all files. Only if university curriculum was downloadable from the university sites in pdf format with all study material included.. Sigh.. That might take years for such technology innovation in Indian universities.
Rajiv says: This is the first post by Surabhi Dewra from Delhi.. Do welcome here with your Feedback.
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Hi Surabhi,
Great post. I completely agree, though the idea is very novel… it is going to take a hell lot of time for the teachers to become accustomed to the new technology. Plus, In India, there is always more stress on traditional maths and science. The learning is rote based rather than understanding based…and marks are the sole criteria. Though with the introduction of IB curriculum in some international schools, this may become a big hit. But, a major revamp in educational policies need to be done in order to get the full impact of the Classmate.
Hey Surabhi,
Thanks for sharing such a great experience of e-India with us, however I would also like to add some thing more in to it.
The Classmate PC is Intel’s efforts to advance progress in four areas: accessibility, connectivity, education, and content.
Intel’s entry into the market for low-cost personal computers for children in the developing world. It is in some respects similar to the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) trade association’s Children’s Machine (XO), which has a similar target market. Although definitely made for profit, the laptop production is believed to be an Information and Communication Technologies for Development project.
Intel has a long history of working to improve education worldwide and this programs will prepare teachers and students for success in the global economy.
The Intel-based classmate PC is a small, mobile educational solution that Intel has developed specifically for students.
Overall, the Classmate PC is an impressive product. Intel has done a good job with the design and manufacture of these laptops.
Thanks,
Love Chopra
The post is interesting. However, the quality of writing is poor. I would recommend that watblog put an editorial process in place that ensures, at the very least, grammatically sound posts. Regards, Surya Mantha
Well..I do agree with the fact that its an impressive product and that Intel has been known for creating revolution…but I go with Sakshi that a major revamp is required in educational policies to use this in its full potential!! I am ready to buy the idea of a low cost laptop but its not at all easy for me to digest a k12 segment laptop atleast in present timeline!! Perhaps they need to revamp marketing strategy too!!!
Hi Surabhi,
This is really a rejuvinating thing which can vitalize our education system to a great deal,We can find a more interactive classroom sessions apart from regular boring classes which inturn leads to great understanding of the subject,we can sooner find the coming generation with more considerate future, so after all yes if the basics are strongs we can really think of it.But yes!making it mandatory for school is a big thing, it needs lot of change in our education system to get this idea fit in. But almost every big thing is not accepted by the society at one go,so may be we are still not completely ready with this idea of childern studying through their lappies, so it is just about broading our concepts & taking the coming generation ahead.
Hey Surya..Thanks for your feedback…Its criticism which actually brings out best!!!! However, blog term somehow eliminates the concept of conventional essay writing and brings in often colloquial style.
Comments positively taken !!
Dear surabhi, I am glad the feedback was taken in the spirit in which it was given. I do agree that new forms of writing develop their unique styles. However, I would sure hope that we don’t chuck the basics of good writing out the window. Do keep up the good work. Best regards, surya mantha