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Education

100 computers for every SA school – it’s possible

By 12th November 2014April 2nd, 2020No Comments

With an estimated R16 billion budgeted to build a cloud network that aims to connect the more than 12 million learners in 26 000 schools, we believe that South Africa could be getting a lot more than they budgeted for.

Each of South Africa’s schools could have a hundred computers connected to the internet in four years, at the same cost as what the government wants to spend on a national private cloud for schools.

Should we, as a nation pay more than we should, just because that’s what’s in the budget?

We believe that it is possible to provide one computer for every four children within four years, using available technologies like solar power and satellite connectivity to reach even the most remote schools.

The government seems to be assuming that giving our children access to this life-changing technology is beyond our reach as a country, but it doesn’t have to be that difficult.

We’re optimistic that it can be done.

In August this year, we launched CloudGate, a desktop replacement device into the mainstream market. And it’s just one of the examples of innovative technologies that can be used to achieve our country’s goals of providing internet access to every learner.

Add a screen, a keyboard and mouse, and an internet connection, and this hand-sized device turns into a full Android computer. Users can also use Windows applications through Cloudware, a cloud-based virtual desktop environment that gives you access to your applications from any device.

Designed with South African internet connectivity challenges taken into account, CloudGate can work in low-bandwidth environments, delivering connectivity over a slow cellular network or via a satellite connection.

The device also draws only about 10 watts of power – the same as an energy-saving light bulb – so using it in off-grid areas with access only to solar power is entirely feasible.

CloudGate delivers all the functionality of a traditional desktop PC at a fraction of the cost.

It’s frustrating to see the gap between what is possible, and what South Africa is getting.

We could start putting state-of-the-art computer technology in schools tomorrow, and in four years cover the whole country. There are even major international players who are prepared to offer access to amazing technology for free, no strings attached – yet government IT still seems to be stuck in an old mindset that everything has to be slow, difficult and expensive.

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