Many schools in India don’t have electricity to access electronic learning tools. That’s a problem, which now has a solution.
Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Rice University are developing an electronic tablet that is both battery and solar powered. The device, named iSlate, is estimated to serve 100 million Indian children.
“India’s full economic potential will only be realized with sustainable, low-cost technologies that benefit all segments of the population,” said Krishna Palem, of Rice University.
The first batch of iSlate prototypes was tested in one of the school. Although most students have never used a computer before, the children were quick to pick up the technology. Some kids even reflected that the size of the stylus was too thin but wrote thick on the screen. Instead they recommended having a thicker stylus with thinner writing.
“Developing an electronic notepad that is green, requires very little energy to operate and that could even run on solar energy in future is in line with NTU’s emphasis on sustain ability research,” said NTU President Su Guaning.
“The research will not just help in the sustainability of our planet but the development of such sustainable, low-cost technologies will also help the poorer communities in the world to close the digital divide. It will be life-changing and it will help to improve lives.”
This project is highly commended and as a fellow Singaporean, I’m proud that NTU is leading from the front. Technology isn’t just about the cool gadgets like the iPad or Kindle. It could also make the world a better place.
Image courtesy of The Times of India
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