http://www.zdnet.com/blog/btl/ces-has-asus-discovered-the-strategy-to-take-down-the-ipad/43203?tag=mantle_skin;content

Chip giant Intel and software leader Microsoft have separately and simultaneously announced products and technologies to make IT happen in India’s schools. Read the full article at http://www.indiatechonline.com/intel-microsoft-educational-initiatives-in-india-240.php

Indian schools are based on the traditional model of classrooms. There are very few schools which use technology in the classrooms. This is a big unexplored area where the IT Industry can make a huge difference.

The launch of the Intel’s Classmate PC in India coupled with Integrated Learning Platforms like PrazasLive and Prazas Interactive Digital Books (to be launched shortly) will be a big boon to students and teachers. The article mentions “features like water-resistant keyboard, backpack friendly, able to withstand bumping in a backpack and accidental drops by students.” These features are just too good and very aptly addresses the need and usage by the students. The article also mentions that “in tablet mode, the convertible classmate PC with touch and a rotating screen allows the child to write more naturally by resting their palm on the touch screen. It also includes education-oriented software and applications from software and content vendors from the Intel Learning Series.”

Once the teachers and students start to actively use this, the students need not carry dozens of textbooks and notebooks to their school. At present, a school going child looks more like a porter while going to school. Sometimes they even forget to take the required books. In a few years time, all this will be history.

Such a technology will improve students’ learning and students’ lives. It will be a big boon to teachers too. It will give teachers the ability to interact with a student even outside the classroom. A platform like Prazas will give more information to the teacher about the student.