January 2012 - change - Mailing Lists

Re: [change] 25$ Raspberry Pi PC could revolutionalize education in developing countries
by ashish makani 27 Jan '12

27 Jan '12

Wayan Vota replied with his insightful comments , but only to the TIER list, so pasting his reply here below in {}, so change list folks can also see it. { Oui. Ashish, I certainly have a different opinion that you on the Raspberry Pi. Let me respond to a few of your points inline... Just came across news, that Raspberry Pi GPU outperforms iphone 4s's gpu by 2x & also outperforms Nvidia's Tegra2. This device has amazing potential to create low-cost PCs for children in the developing world & encourage programming the world over. I am unsure how processing power relates to low-cost PCs. The Pi is simply a CPU. No screen, no keyboard, no human accessible I/O of any sort. Not even digital storage the last time I checked. So all those need to be added. But the result is not in a clean form factor like an iPhone, iPad, or even modular desktop. Just a bunch of wires. I don't see that lasting long in a hot, dusty room with many, many grubby hands. I am curious to know what other people think of XO3 vs Raspberry Pi Vs Aakash (the Indian govt.'s low cost tablet) Well the Pi vs. the OLPC in education is pretty easy - I wrote about that already here: The $25 Raspberry Pi is 3.14x More Useless than XO Laptops http://www.olpcnews.com/sales_talk/competition/the_25_raspberry_pi_computer… 3. From a pedagogical viewpoint, IMHO, i think younger kids should not have a digital device 24x& as they can get "addicted" to it . It is more important to impart a sense of curiosity & learning, & having an XO3 might hamper other social activities - going outdoors & playing with other kids So i feel younger kids could be exposed to low-cost computers( made of a RP hi) in school, which are low cost & encourage tinkering (open source, simple inexpensive hw) while elder (say high school kids can get their own personal XO3 Actually, you have it the wrong way around. It would be best for younger children to have an XO-typoe device so they could explore and learn concepts, ideas, and basic mental concepts within the safe environment of a fully contained computer. Once they are old enough to understand the parts, to grasp programming, they could graduate to the bits and pieces. Yet, i think you are going down the wrong path in your overall goal. It should not be to try and create a new cadre of programmers. That's not going to happen. There are only x amount of potential programmers that exist in the world's children, where X is a very small percentage. Showering the world with Pi's will not magically increase that number, just as showering the world with play doctor kits will not magically create more doctors. 4. From an Indian perspective, i wish the Indian govt scraps the crappy Aakash tablet in favour of the XO3. Actually, the Aakash has a lot going for it on the technology side: http://www.ictworks.org/news/2012/01/23/47-aakash-android-tablet-will-revol… But if you want to put it or the OLPC into education, well, you'll fail with both as you are thinking hardware is the solution, as I explained here: http://wayan.com/ict4d/the-35-aakash-tablet-olpc.html Or as Richard Rowe explains here: https://edutechdebate.org/creating-electronic-educational-content/we-need-a… The XO3 comes with 802.11b/g &s(mesh) & the concept of school servers, so kids can download learning content even if access to the larger public Internet is not available. Aakash has GPRS( much slower) & RPi supports wired ethernet & USB Wifi dongles. Both of these points are irrelevant. It doesn't matter if one connects via shoe strings and tin cans and the other is on fiber. What actually matters is a trained and motivated teacher, empowered with relevant and engaging content, able to have personalized interactions with an attentive and excited student. ICT like the Pi, XO, or Aakash, can play a facilitative role in this interaction - but just that. The key is still wetware - humans, not hardware. Wayan -- ............................................................... Wayan Vota Senior Director Inveneo: http://inveneo.org Email: wayan(a)inveneo.org Mobile: +1.202.746.8269 Skype/Yahoo IM: wayan_vota ............................................................... Start your day with ICTworks http://www.ictworks.org } On Thu, Jan 26, 2012 at 10:10 PM, Rahul Banerjee <banerjee(a)cs.washington.edu> wrote: > (not spamming everybody, since I'm not really adding anything that > hasn't already been said before) > > @Yaw: I remember starting the "Aakash" thread and this is the same > thing all over again. > > @Manish: Good points, and ultimately, it is the supporting ecosystem > around the product (availability/subsidy, support, tutoring/mentoring, > specially-designed curriculum) that will decide how successful it is > in helping improve underprivileged/needy kids' future. Personally > speaking, I want one of those -- it looks like an awesome platform for > hobbyists/DIY'ers! > > > -- > Rahul > > On Thu, Jan 26, 2012 at 9:01 PM, Yaw Anokwa <yanokwa(a)cs.washington.edu> wrote: >> Ashish, >> >> I don't think it's because of the lack of a powerful GPU that schools >> in low-income areas are failing. I also don't think the ubiquity of >> computing devices translates to everyone learning how to tinker and >> becoming programmers. >> >> I do think you hinted at the real problems. How does one impart a >> sense of curiosity and a love of learning to a child? How do we >> generate relevant (and language-specific) content that provably >> educates students at scale? We can barely do all that in the West with >> all the money and technology we have, so how can we do it in a rural >> school in India where we have yet to solve teacher absenteeism? >> >> Don't get me wrong. I love to think big, I love technology, and I'm >> optimistic that we can have some impact on the problems the world >> faces, but let's pick the right problem to solve and not get ahead of >> ourselves. From television to the Simputer, history is littered with >> educational technologies with infinite promise and zero impact on >> changing the fortunes of the poor. >> >> https://edutechdebate.org has lots of resources that do this topic >> justice. Might be a good place for those interested in this problem to >> start looking... >> >> Yaw >> >> On Thu, Jan 26, 2012 at 05:20, ashish makani <ashish.makani(a)gmail.com> wrote: >>> Hi Folks >>> >>> Just came across news, that Raspberry Pi GPU outperforms iphone 4s's >>> gpu by 2x & also outperforms Nvidia's Tegra2. >>> >>> http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-raspberry-pi-gpu-outperfor… >>> >>> This device has amazing potential to create low-cost PCs for children >>> in the developing world & encourage programming the world over. >>> >>> Detailed interview with Eben Upton, RPi's executive director (free >>> registration required) >>> http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/digitalfoundry-inside-raspberry-pi >>> >>> I am curious to know what other people think of XO3 vs Raspberry Pi Vs >>> Aakash (the Indian govt.'s low cost tablet) >>> >>> http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8428147.stm >>> http://asia.cnet.com/what-can-we-learn-from-the-olpc-xo-3-0-tablet-62213156… >>> >>> 1. Raspberry Pi(RPi) requires monitor + mouse +k/b while XO3 is self-contained. >>> 2. RPi is more geared to be a lab machine or a home pc while XO3 is >>> more of a personal device. >>> >>> 3. From a pedagogical viewpoint, IMHO, i think younger kids should not >>> have a digital device 24x& as they can get "addicted" to it . It is >>> more important to impart a sense of curiosity & learning, & having an >>> XO3 might hamper other social activities - going outdoors & playing >>> with other kids. >>> >>> So i feel younger kids could be exposed to low-cost computers( made of >>> a RP hi) in school, which are low cost & encourage tinkering (open >>> source, simple inexpensive hw) >>> while elder (say high school kids can get their own personal XO3 >>> >>> 4. From an Indian perspective, i wish the Indian govt scraps the >>> crappy Aakash tablet in favour of the XO3. >>> >>> http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2012/01/08/the-inside-story-of-indias-50-com… >>> http://phonemantra.com/2012/01/olpc-india-head-rips-into-aakash-calls-it-pr… >>> >>> The vast majority of schools in India are run by the govt & most govt. >>> schools dont have a computer lab or the computers:students ratio is >>> abysmal >>> >>> 5. Internet connectivity >>> >>> http://laptop.org/en/laptop/hardware/specs.shtml >>> http://www.raspberrypi.org/faqs >>> http://www.akashtablet.com/ >>> >>> The XO3 comes with 802.11b/g &s(mesh) & the concept of school servers, >>> so kids can download learning content even if access to the larger >>> public Internet is not available. >>> >>> Aakash has GPRS( much slower) & RPi supports wired ethernet & USB Wifi dongles. >>> >>> Exciting times ahead for sure & would love to hear from other people. >>> >>> cheers >>> ashish >>> _______________________________________________ >>> change mailing list >>> change(a)change.washington.edu >>> http://changemm.cs.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/change >> >> _______________________________________________ >> change mailing list >> change(a)change.washington.edu >> http://changemm.cs.washington.edu/mailman/listinfo/change

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25$ Raspberry Pi PC could revolutionalize education in developing countries
by ashish makani 26 Jan '12

26 Jan '12

Hi Folks Just came across news, that Raspberry Pi GPU outperforms iphone 4s's gpu by 2x & also outperforms Nvidia's Tegra2. http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-raspberry-pi-gpu-outperfor… This device has amazing potential to create low-cost PCs for children in the developing world & encourage programming the world over. Detailed interview with Eben Upton, RPi's executive director (free registration required) http://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/digitalfoundry-inside-raspberry-pi I am curious to know what other people think of XO3 vs Raspberry Pi Vs Aakash (the Indian govt.'s low cost tablet) http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8428147.stm http://asia.cnet.com/what-can-we-learn-from-the-olpc-xo-3-0-tablet-62213156… 1. Raspberry Pi(RPi) requires monitor + mouse +k/b while XO3 is self-contained. 2. RPi is more geared to be a lab machine or a home pc while XO3 is more of a personal device. 3. From a pedagogical viewpoint, IMHO, i think younger kids should not have a digital device 24x& as they can get "addicted" to it . It is more important to impart a sense of curiosity & learning, & having an XO3 might hamper other social activities - going outdoors & playing with other kids. So i feel younger kids could be exposed to low-cost computers( made of a RP hi) in school, which are low cost & encourage tinkering (open source, simple inexpensive hw) while elder (say high school kids can get their own personal XO3 4. From an Indian perspective, i wish the Indian govt scraps the crappy Aakash tablet in favour of the XO3. http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2012/01/08/the-inside-story-of-indias-50-com… http://phonemantra.com/2012/01/olpc-india-head-rips-into-aakash-calls-it-pr… The vast majority of schools in India are run by the govt & most govt. schools dont have a computer lab or the computers:students ratio is abysmal 5. Internet connectivity http://laptop.org/en/laptop/hardware/specs.shtml http://www.raspberrypi.org/faqs http://www.akashtablet.com/ The XO3 comes with 802.11b/g &s(mesh) & the concept of school servers, so kids can download learning content even if access to the larger public Internet is not available. Aakash has GPRS( much slower) & RPi supports wired ethernet & USB Wifi dongles. Exciting times ahead for sure & would love to hear from other people. cheers ashish

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Registration for DEV 2012 is now active
by Gaetano Borriello 26 Jan '12

26 Jan '12

At: http://www.regonline.com/Register/Checkin.aspx?EventID=1054967 or: dev2012.org

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Group Complete Mobile Data Collection Enterprise Trial Program
by Matt Adams 26 Jan '12

26 Jan '12

Hello, Neal Lesh from Dimagi suggested that this would be appropriate to post here. ~~~~ In March 2012 we will be releasing the first version of Group Complete Enterprise Edition (GC Enterprise). Group Complete (GC) is a real-time data collection platform that enables collaborative information sharing between mobile workers. We are actively seeking partners to trial GC Enterprise including non-profit NGOs, charities, educational and research groups. Partners will be fully supported through the trial phase and may use GC Enterprise in production deployments at no cost. We will provide continued support to trial partners through our community forum and direct one-to-one email support on a best-effort basis free of charge. Partners looking for ongoing dedicated support or custom integration for SAP and other platforms will be able to access our commercial support channels at heavily discounted prices. If this interests you please contact me at matta(a)groupcomplete.com or directly at +1 613-777-0680 for further information. Thanks! Matt Adams Founder, Group Complete/Radical Dynamic http://www.groupcomplete.com About Group Complete ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Group Complete (GC) is a real-time data collection platform that enables collaborative information sharing between mobile workers. It includes an all-in-one mobile experience that allows ad-hoc form building and distribution of forms and data directly from the mobile device as well as more traditional workflows. GC has exceptional offline capabilities that allow users to work with forms and data regardless of mobile connectivity. Changes automatically synchronize with master copies when network connectivity is available. Group Complete is based in part on Open Data Kit (ODK) Collect and is backwards compatible with JavaRosa XForms and ODK Aggregate. About GC Enterprise ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GC Enterprise includes a mobile app for Android smartphones and tablets as well as server-side components for managing deployment, browsing collected data, a visual XForm designer and real-time and batch data connectors for 3rdparty integration (stuff that makes it easy to get data into & out of the system). We have a lot more planned for 2012 including some tools for basic analysis of collected information. GC Enterprise is packaged as a portable virtual appliance for VMware and Oracle VirtualBox for self-hosted environments. It will also be available via managed hosting services provided by Group Complete. For a small taste of what's coming in GC Enterprise feel free to give our current mobile app a try.

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Tech companies with meaning in Seattle
by James Dailey 25 Jan '12

25 Jan '12

Hi UW Change crew - This might be of interest and is local: "Join us on January 30, 2012, for an evening with some of Seattle's best startups. Admission gets you in the room with great companies, and includes two complimentary drinks. " http://www.getarealjobfair.com/ http://seattlestartupsjobfair.eventbrite.com/ REGISTER

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Discussion on financial models for healthcare in rural areas.
by Nicola Dell 24 Jan '12

24 Jan '12

This Thursday at Change Krysta Yousoufian and Rohit Chaudri will discuss financial models for healthcare in rural areas. We will present the 3 most prevalent models for healthcare delivery to underserved communities in rural areas. Countries like India have state-sponsored programs that provide free healthcare to people Below the Poverty Line (BPL). In another model, non-profits, aided by foundation grants, provide higher quality healthcare at subsidized rates to patients. The third model is a for-profit model where organizations provide higher quality healthcare at low cost and low profit margins (e.g. rural telemedicine). We will then open to a group conversation about the risks and opportunities of these models. Telemedicine is a relatively new trend, facilitated in part by advances in ICTs. Does it have promise for long-term sustainability? *What:* Discussion on financial models for healthcare in rural areas. *When:* Thursday, January 26th at noon *Where:* Paul Allen Center, Room 203

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Response bias article on MobileActive
by Nicola Dell 24 Jan '12

24 Jan '12

hey everyone, A cool research project of mine that quantifies participant response bias in ICTD was recently written up on MobileActive. This work was done during my summer internship with the Technology for Emerging Markets Lab at Microsoft Research India. Read more here: http://www.mobileactive.org/does-anyone-really-my-stuff-bias-evaluation For those who are interested, a link to the full paper (which will appear in CHI 2012) is provided at the bottom of the article, or at http://cs.washington.edu/homes/nixdell/Yours-is-better.pdf. Thanks! Nicki

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Fwd: [DEV 2012] program and registration available
by Gaetano Borriello 23 Jan '12

23 Jan '12

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: DEV 2012 <acmdev2012(a)gmail.com> Date: Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 5:42 PM Subject: [DEV 2012] program and registration available To: DEV 2012 <acmdev2012(a)gmail.com> Dear DEV Authors and PC Members, The program for DEV 2012 has been posted online: http://dev2012.org/program.html Also, conference registration is now available: http://dev2012.org/reg.html Please register by FEBRUARY 10 to benefit from early-bird rates. We hope to see you in Atlanta! Gaetano Borriello Bill Thies PC Co-chairs

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Technical Adviser Job at IICD
by Yaw Anokwa 23 Jan '12

23 Jan '12

IICD is a non-profit foundation that specialises in information and communication technology (ICT) as a tool for development. IICD is active in Africa and Latin America where we bring about technical and social innovations that create and enhance development opportunities in education, governance, livelihoods, health and the environment. For maximum impact we work closely with partners from the public, private and non-profit sectors. Our aim is to help our local partners – teachers, farmers, health workers, local government officials and civil servants - to formulate and implement their own ICT-supported development policies and programmes. More about IICD: www.iicd.org. The Technical Adviser (TA) is an ICT expert who contributes to the integration of ICT in Development programmes in various countries supported by IICD. The TA provides expertise in ICT for Development (ICT4D) tools, processes, technologies and strategies. http://www.iicd.org/about/vacancies/iicd-technical-adviser-job-description

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Fwd: DEV 2012 - Call for Participation
by Yaw Anokwa 23 Jan '12

23 Jan '12

---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: DEV 2012 <acmdev2012(a)gmail.com> Date: Mon, Jan 23, 2012 at 16:25 Subject: DEV 2012 - Call for Participation To: acmdev2012(a)gmail.com Dear Colleagues, We would like to invite you to participate in the 2nd Symposium on Computing for Development (DEV 2012), to be held alongside ICTD in Atlanta, GA, on March 11-12, 2012. The program for the conference is now available online: http://dev2012.org/program.html The conference will feature 14 peer-reviewed papers and 15 posters at the intersection of technology and global development, spanning topics such as mobile data collection, mobile sensing, social media, and more. We will have keynote addresses by David Kobia (co-founder, Ushahidi) and Ed McNierney (CTO, OLPC). Early registration closes on February 10. We hope to see you in Atlanta in March! Gaetano Borriello, Ed Cutrell, Bill Thies, & Ellen Zegura Conference co-chairs

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