Communications of the ACM
South African Scientists Create Cheap Computer
Researchers at the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa are leading a project to create inexpensive computers for every student in that nation.
Credit: News24
University of Witwatersrand researchers are leading a project to create inexpensive computers or tablets to potentially be used by every student in South Africa in the near future.
"We are creating this human capacity to solve complicated problems in software, hardware, electronics, computing, and all that," says Witwatersrand professor Bruce Mellado.
The goal of the project is to equip the entire educational system of South Africa with low-cost computers or tablets, a mission that would be made easier with locally designed and manufactured devices. "We got a grant from the Technology Innovation Agency to start working with schools and produce the first devices here in South Africa," Mellado says.
The researchers are studying the interaction between children and technology so the new devices will help students engage in learning, especially in improving their mathematical skills.
In addition, the project will help boost the South African economy by keeping more money inside the country and creating jobs. The researchers are still working on the exact configuration of the final device that will be rolled out in the coming months.
From News24
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