This is a great move from the DoE and in fact something like this is long overdue. The challenge will be to make sure that there is fair distribution from the start, so as to avoid one-sided development while ignoring one large portion. I think there should be a clear model to be followed so as to make sure that educators get equitable fair chance to access this scheme.
One challenge obviously will be to monitor the whole project. I think capacity has to be build at district/circuit level. There is a need to carefully monitor that there is no abuse of this scheme as some educators can take chances. The Government Gazette (8 May 2009, No 32207) speaks to some of these issues, but the thing is, that is just a document like any other government documents. There is need for proper and careful monitoring, otherwise we will wake up when it is already late.
On a positive note, the Gazette has specifications on hardware and software. I have a concern with the battery power of 2 hours. The school day is maximum of 7 hours. Some laptops batteries can go up to 3 hours. Again these are just estimates depending on the processing of information, same like cellphones (depending on calls). I therefore suggest a special concession of a spare battery in case the educator is in a school without electricity. This is one area that needs to be looked at. Another one is that of printing. There must be a move towards considering providing network printers to schools. Another challenge if there is not electricity!
I have just highlighted a few issues, there are actually many, but I give the project a thumbs up!
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