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Connecting Students With Computers [2013-03-26]

The main mission of Reneal IEO is bringing to developing countries a low-cost computing solution that is tailored for schools.  Much of our time in the Philippines this year will be devoted to this mission: checking out current installations and scouting for new ones for 2014.

The low-cost computer infrastructure system is based upon free, legal Open Source software and the Ubuntu Linux operating system.  Over the years, Neal has developed a user-friendly interface that gives easy access to a wide range of applications and utilities for students and teachers.  And being back here in the Philippines and talking to IT teachers reminds me yet again of the huge problems posed by viruses and pirated software, both of which can be completely avoided by the use of Open Source software and Linux.  The Reneal IEO low-cost computer system also draws upon a client-server approach.  The server is a powerful computer that provides centralized file storage, password-protected teacher accounts, internet filtering and caching, and a host of other features.  The clients are less capable machines -- they don’t even need a hard disk and they can be computers that have been discarded as obsolete.  However the clients appear to the user to be powerful because all of the software is actually running on the server.  Since there is no software or operating system stored on the clients, maintenance time and expense is greatly reduced.  Centralized file storage means that students and teachers can get to their files from any computer in the lab.

The original implementation of this system was done at Compostela National High School (CNHS) while we were in the Philippines as U.S. Peace Corps Volunteers from 2006-2008.  Used computers were obtained through the World Computer Exchange (worldcomputerexchange.org).  The CNHS implementation was fairly complex, with multiple servers spread around campus to support two auxiliary IT labs, the library, and the science lab as well as computers in faculty offices and the guidance office.  The installations in Tanzania and in other schools in the Philippines will in general be much simpler: a single IT lab with 10-20 seats.  The system has gone from its experimental beginnings in 2006 to a near turn-key system today that can be installed quickly and easily.

One of the big thrills from our work at CNHS has been watching the students get hands-on use of computers in their first year of high school -- this compared to the days of having IT learning being done by looking at pictures of computers and peripherals.  In particular, it is incredibly rewarding to see students being able to do internet research in the library.  Over the last several months Reneal IEO has received numerous donations of used desktop and laptop computers.  The laptops will be used for the 2013 Tanzania project, where three schools will be equipped with IT labs.  However because it relatively inexpensive to ship things to the Philippines in “balikbayan boxes”, Reneal IEO sent ahead 10 used desktop computers for use here at CNHS.  They will be used to increase the number of seats in the library at CNHS and to replace some of the very old Pentium I/II computers still on campus from the original 2006 installation.  Thanks to the generous donors who have made this possible!

Reneal IEO will be visiting schools here in the Philippines over the next three weeks looking for candidates for 2014 projects.  Many high schools actually already have computers, donated by the Philippines Department of Education and foreign agencies; however the computers are often rendered useless by viruses.  These computers can be quickly and inexpensively made usable again through the low-cost computer approach.  Reneal IEO is excited to be able to give new life to old computers through the low-cost computer infrastructure, providing opportunities and a window into the world for students and teachers in developing countries.  We continue to seek donations of computers and funding to support additional schools in Tanzania and the Philippines.