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Intel Brings WiMax to the Classroom
Intel has been working closely with the Nigerian government to formally launch Classmate PCIntel, a program which aims to provide laptop-style computers equipped with educational software to students and teachers. According to Vanguard, the Classmate PC program falls under the umbrella of the larger Intel World Ahead program, “which has pledged $1bn in the next five years to accelerate access to computers, the Internet and rich local content for people in developing countries.”
However, providing computers to students in Nigeria and other locations is not
enough. A vital part of accelerating computer access is connecting individuals
to the Internet. This is where WiMAX comes in. Since WiMAX is capable of
connecting people to the Internet over larger areas–even in rural sectors of
developing nations–it has become a choice technology for the World Ahead
program.
The Classmate PC program has been tested in Nigeria for some time now and seems
to be a success. According to the article, 8,000 teachers have been trained to
utilize this technology in the classroom, and “another
150,000 have been slated for the next few years.” With new, more
economical computers and increased access to Internet content via WiMAX, even
the most isolated and underserved regions may soon achieve a new level of
connectivity.
Ari Zoldan
Launch 3 Communications
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