E-slate

From OLPC

[edit] This is currently being field tested in Kenya Africa

The eSlates are the end-user terminals of EELS, used by both teachers and students. An eSlate is Linux-based tablet computer, modified to survive in the technologically risky environment that is primary and secondary education. The tablets come in the same form-factor as a current textbook, and have a user-interface custom-designed for computer novices. Data input is done through a stylus on a touch-screen, using a combination of tapping and handwriting recognition. In addition, the bottom of the unit slides out to reveal a small keyboard for longer writing assignments.

eSlates contain WLAN cards, which allow them to communicate with the BaseStation. The BaseStation receives a unique identifier from each eSlate, and searches through its catalogue for content whose destination routing information corresponds with that of the eSlate, and any matching content found is transferred. At the same time the eSlate transmits its logging data to the BaseStation where it is analyzed for usage trends and potential problems. Also at this time completed assignments that have been designated by the student to be handed in to the teacher are transmitted onto the BaseStation, where they are catalogued (with routing information to the student-specified teacher’s eSlate) and placed in the received content spool file.

Like the BaseStation the operating system and preferences are stored in read-only FLASH ROM, preventing the system from falling victim the data corruption issues that plague personal computers. This isolation of operating system also ensures that users are unable to inadvertently cause damage to the system. While the ROM is read-only, it can be ‘flashed’ with a new ROM image. When new operating system is available and transmitted over EELS to the BaseStations, eSlates will automatically update themselves with this at the next synchronization with the BaseStation.

All of this previously described technology is invisible to the user. What he or she sees is that upon arrival to school up-to-date news and textbooks have been copied to his/her eSlate, and completed assignments have been submitted. All content, including textbooks, news, Internet sites and more, is accessed from one menu, while another allows the creation of new documents (including word processing, spreadsheet and picture files). Teacher-configured eSlates have an additional menu that allows them to grade assignments, administer tests and manage student grades.

The final feature of the eSlate is an anti-theft mechanism. Upon initial utilization each eSlate ‘binds’ itself to a specific BaseStation and stores its owner data in a locked file. A software component built into the operating system then logs each successful connection to the BaseStation, and will temporarily disable the eSlate if it does not connect with its original BaseStation for a pre-defined span of time. Upon being brought back within to range of its BaseStation the eSlate will begin to function again. A reasonable number of teachers throughout the EELS network will be trained to unlock eSlates and change owner information, for the occasions when it is legitimate to do so. Doing so, however, will be recorded and transmitted back the NOC where suspicious cases will be marked for further investigation. Furthermore, because our network and software is proprietary, demand for stolen eSlates will be minimal – they simply will not work for uses other than those for which they were designed.