Computers for Education

The use of technology in teaching is one of the most exciting opportunities of this century. The Internet, in particular, is revolutionizing learning by providing an unprecedented range of free educational services. The wealth of information and communication channels available on the World Wide Web continues to grow and become easier to use for people in many countries.

Unfortunately, the free learning facilities on the Internet are not available to everyone. There is a "Digital Divide" that denies those opportunities to underprivileged children. This is tragic because for many disadvantaged people, education is the only way to break out of the cycle of poverty.

Countless charitable and educational groups have recognized the unique opportunity afforded by Internet technology. There are currently thousands of programs attempting to provide computers to disadvantaged children around the world. However, many of these programs are not succeeding due to the cost and complexity of setting up and maintaining computers.

The SolarLite PC was originally conceived to make it easier and less expensive to provide and maintain computers for educational organizations. Many features of the SolarLite contribute to that goal. The SolarLite uses Linux and other Open Source based software packages, which are based on royalty free licenses. Open Source licenses ensure that software developed using shared code will be shared with others. Over time this will help create an enormous repository of knowledge that is freely available to all. The SolarLite system has a full range of programs including the highly rated FireFox browser, which permits access to all major educational web sites.

The SolarLite itself is based on a similar approach called the Open Hardware concept. SolarLite designs can be provided royalty free so that individual countries or large organizations can manufacture computer chassis for themselves in perpetuity.

The Open Hardware license provides for standards that assure that parts are interchangeable and software is compatible. In addition, the SolarLite license encourages local manufacturing. This benefits local economies and circumvents many of the problems and expenses associated with transporting computers across international borders. These factors and other characteristics of the SolarLite result in the lowest possible expense for purchasing and maintaining fully functional educational PC's. The benefits and total cost of ownership are also superior to thin-client computers and "free" recycled computers when costs are averaged over the anticipated 20-year life of a SolarLite machine.

The SolarLite computer uses non-proprietary components to maximize functionality and minimize incompatibility. Simplification and standardization of parts improves the reliability of hardware and software. It also makes it easier to repair machines. This is critical since many educational PC’s are installed in difficult to reach locales. It also helps the consortium of organizations that use the SolarLite to gain purchasing power. This is of the utmost importance since high volume purchasing is the key to low PC parts prices.

The end result of the SolarLite’s streamlined design is a small, lightweight computer about the size of a book. It has no moving parts and uses very little electricity. It has plenty of power for most computer tasks and can be easily upgraded should technology change dramatically in the future. All of these factors contribute to an efficient machine designed not for obsolescence, but to avoid it. The payoff for this investment will be that more children will have access to working computers and the joys of learning.