Intel is piloting a $100 million (R972.1 million) global e-learning initiative at a school in Midrand. The chipmaker's 1:1 e-learning model at is aimed at enhancing the teaching of traditional subjects with 21st century skills in computing.
“The ideal in 1:1 computing is an environment in which students use computing devices, such as wireless laptops or tablet PC computers, in order to learn anytime and anywhere,” says Intel emerging markets platform group executive Inass Farouk.
Intel Sub-Saharan Africa spokesperson Ntombezinhle Modiselle says the 1:1 computing model will see the company donate computers to public and private schools. It will also contribute its expertise and global benchmarking standards to ensure the successful implementation of the programme, he notes.
The chipmaker has committed itself to donate more than 5 000 Classmate PCs, over an unspecified amount of time, to government schools around the country.
Getting interactive
The chipmaker's investment at Christ Church Prep School and College includes 25 Classmate PCs, which are running on Windows XP Professional, as well as Office 2003 Basic, according to the IT agreement between Microsoft SA and the Department of Education.
The notebooks are equipped with 2GB of NAND flash memory and a Celeron M processor. The Classmate PC also has a 17.8cm display and is priced at $300 (R2 916.16).
The 1:1 e-learning model, at Christ Church, will also be enhanced by an interactive whiteboard from Smart Technologies, a wireless mobile computer laboratory to charge the laptops from a single electrical outlet from EarthWalk and digital content from Learnthings.
Modiselle adds the model has been used successfully around the world in countries such as Malaysia, Pakistan and the Philippines.
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