Microsoft, DepEd test self-contained, mobile classroom

Victor Barreiro Jr.

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Microsoft, DepEd test self-contained, mobile classroom
Essentially a refurbished container van, the classroom can be set up within 3 days and transported to far-flung areas via land, sea, or air

MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Education (DepEd) and Microsoft announced they would be testing a pilot project: a self-contained, transportable classroom meant for teaching children in remote areas.

The Egg Project – named after the containers baby chicks hatch from – can be transported to far-flung areas via land, sea, or air.

Essentially a refurbished container van, the classroom can be set up and ready for class within 3 days of installation.

The classroom is meant to sustain itself and the teaching of students through the technology inside the unit.

THE BACK END. This hidden compartment in the mobile classroom houses server tech, a generator and backup batteries, and an atmospheric water condenser. Photo by Victor Barreiro Jr/Rappler

The classroom seats around 30 students and contains tablet computers and a screen for projecting lessons.

The retractable roof reveals solar panels for powering the tech inside the classroom.

An atmospheric water generator collects humidity and rainwater, turning it into 20 liters of drinkable water that can be used daily to cool the classroom when it’s self-enclosed.


 

The classroom also takes advantage of TV white space technology to provide connectivity to the Internet, while the DepEd and Microsoft joined forces to make the whole of DepEd’s educational resources available within the classroom itself.

Using Skype voice chat, the students can also be a part of a larger virtual classroom being taught from multiple locations.

The DepEd and Microsoft are planning to implement the first mobile classroom in Bohol in July. The plan is to test two classrooms for a year by the end of 2016 to see how sustainable the project is and how feasible it is for widespread or possible commercial applications. – Rappler.com

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Victor Barreiro Jr.

Victor Barreiro Jr is part of Rappler's Central Desk. An avid patron of role-playing games and science fiction and fantasy shows, he also yearns to do good in the world, and hopes his work with Rappler helps to increase the good that's out there.