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DepEd launches self-contained classroom for areas with no electricity, internet


The Department of Education and Microsoft Philippines had teamed up and on Friday launched the EGG project - a self-contained classroom that can be transported to and from far-flung areas where electricity and connectivity are deficient.

 

 

"It contains everything you need from the content, technology, and the power itself. It generates its own power, it generates its own water, and can be connected to the internet through television frequencies", Microsoft Philippines Education Lead  David Tapang said.

The EGG connects to the internet via TV White space, the unused VHF and UHF TV channels that could be used to deliver broadband access over wide areas.

For its energy, the EGG uses solar panels which are used to store at least 3 days worth of energy to power the classroom.

The modernized classroom is also equipped with an Atmospheric Water Generation unit, which pulls humidity from the atmosphere that can produce potable water and can cool the classroom.

The classroom accommodates around 30 students at a time, with each pair sharing one tablet for their use. A flat screen TV is situated in front of the classroom.

For DepEd undersecretary Rey Laguda, the project will give children in the far-flung communities opportunities to widen their knowledge through the use of modern technology.

"Providing them connectivity would give opportunities for children to venture out of their worlds," he said.

An EGG will be set up in a school in Bohol come July. From there, teachers will undergo training on how to use the equipment.

DepEd and Microsoft are planning to deploy more EGGs across several provinces if the pilot unit proves successful. — DVM, GMA News