This month, India announced a plan to produce a $10-$20 laptop to boost distance-learning potential and help fulfil the country's overwhelming education needs. While the proposed laptop's processing capacities have been quickly criticised, the effort to make computers more accessible in the developing world is meritorious. The previous attempt by the international community priced the laptop at $200, which leaves the computer out of reach for many poor communities. India's intention to innovate something more affordable is right, and it exemplifies the role government can and should play in stimulating innovative solutions to educational challenges, particularly for those without resources.
To take a dose from Indian medicine some analysts have proposing an educational innovation board to stimulate technological ingenuity across USA,that would subsequently inspire free new educational tools to every school. Intended to take full advantage of new educational technologies and harness the brainpower of entrepreneurs in districts in the Silicon Valley, the board would award $10m to the winning design in each the following categories, for a total of $50m: multimedia video lessons, individualised interactive learning software, rigorous assessments, longitudinal data systems and affordable portable computers. The designs would then be licensed for free to any school in the US desiring the new technology.
The prize model for incentivising innovative solutions is becoming increasingly popular among industry and nonprofits. What I am suggesting for education is what philanthropist Richard Branson, among others, is doing to innovate climate solutions. The formula works because it inspires designers to think outside the box – something we desperately need when it comes to fixing our country's education system.
In Pakistan education budget is already lesser and this sector has got lowest priority, we need an about-face on education to make innovation a top priority. We have failed to provide schools the tools needed to be competitive for too long.
That India is already designing a $10 computer is emblematic of their country's focus on addressing the critical educational needs of schools with technology, in Hyderabad especially, but throughout their entire nation.
In Pakistan we shall too, must make education innovation a national priority, before our educational challenges nosedive further.
To take a dose from Indian medicine some analysts have proposing an educational innovation board to stimulate technological ingenuity across USA,that would subsequently inspire free new educational tools to every school. Intended to take full advantage of new educational technologies and harness the brainpower of entrepreneurs in districts in the Silicon Valley, the board would award $10m to the winning design in each the following categories, for a total of $50m: multimedia video lessons, individualised interactive learning software, rigorous assessments, longitudinal data systems and affordable portable computers. The designs would then be licensed for free to any school in the US desiring the new technology.
The prize model for incentivising innovative solutions is becoming increasingly popular among industry and nonprofits. What I am suggesting for education is what philanthropist Richard Branson, among others, is doing to innovate climate solutions. The formula works because it inspires designers to think outside the box – something we desperately need when it comes to fixing our country's education system.
In Pakistan education budget is already lesser and this sector has got lowest priority, we need an about-face on education to make innovation a top priority. We have failed to provide schools the tools needed to be competitive for too long.
That India is already designing a $10 computer is emblematic of their country's focus on addressing the critical educational needs of schools with technology, in Hyderabad especially, but throughout their entire nation.
In Pakistan we shall too, must make education innovation a national priority, before our educational challenges nosedive further.
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