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Podcast Series: Innovations in Education

Explore the full series of eSchool News podcasts hosted by Kevin Hogan—created to keep you on the cutting edge of innovations in education.

India unveils prototype of $35 tablet computer

India's Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal displays a low-cost tablet at its launch in New Delhi, India. (AP)
India's Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal displays a low-cost tablet at its launch in New Delhi, India. (AP)

It looks like an iPad, only it’s one-fourteenth the cost: India has unveiled the prototype of a $35 basic touch-screen tablet aimed at students, which it hopes to bring into production by 2011.

If the government can find a manufacturer, the Linux operating system-based computer would be the latest in a string of “world’s cheapest” innovations to hit the market out of India, which is home to the 100,000-rupee ($2,127) compact Nano car, the 749-rupee ($16) water purifier, and the $2,000 open-heart surgery.

The tablet can be used for functions like word processing, web browsing, and video conferencing. It has a solar-power option, too—important for India’s energy-starved hinterlands—although that add-on feature costs extra.…Read More

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Turning lives around with technology: The Intel Education Service Corps

intel_cm3_2“It’s Friday night, and six Intel employees, sitting in a row, are sweating buckets,” Jason Cheah recalls of his first day in Vietnam.  “We’re sitting in a wide open courtyard in an orphanage, surrounded by what must be 80 children, from screaming young toddlers to brooding older teens. Suddenly, the kids break out into coordinated song, and the still night air reverberates with a popular local tune. We can’t help but attempt to clap along with the rhythm.”

Cheah and five Intel colleagues were starting an adventure in Quang Tri, a rural community in the middle of Vietnam. The night before they had spent their first night in Vietnam in a Quang Tri hotel attempting to check office eMail at 10:45 p.m. while trucks, 8-wheel trailers, scooters, and all manners of buses rumbled by outside.

The six volunteers, three from the United States and three from Vietnam, were there as part of the Intel Education Service Corps, a new Corporate Social Responsibility initiative designed to help children and teachers in underprivileged communities around the world learn how to use laptops and video camcorders to strengthen their education and enhance their lives.…Read More

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Intel partners with McGraw-Hill on updated Classmate PC

Intel's newest Classmate PC features a partnership with McGraw-Hill.
Intel's newest Classmate PC features an elementary reading program from McGraw-Hill.

Intel’s newest Convertible Classmate PC design, unveiled April 26, gives elementary school students a chance to have “micro-mobility” as they move between individual, small-group, and whole-class activities, Intel says. The new Classmate portable computing device also includes improved energy efficiency and enhanced eReading capabilities.

Intel has joined forces with McGraw-Hill to include that company’s LEAD21—a new elementary school literacy program that offers students and teachers full print, digital, and professional development resources—on the new education technology device.

“Rich content and innovative applications bring the unique Classmate PC design to life, providing a complete solution that makes learning fun and teaching effective,” said Greg Pearson, vice president of the sales and marketing group and general manager of worldwide sales and operations for Intel.…Read More

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