Intel introduces its Learning Series

January 12, 2009

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Some PC manufacturers have unveiled the Intel-powered convertible classmate PC design, joining the existing clamshell design to meet a variety of elementary school students' needs globally. Based on Intel technology, the new flexible design converts from a clamshell to a tablet mode PC with a touch screen to allow for a more intuitive classroom experience.

According to extensive research with students and teachers, the 180-degree swivel design, rotational camera and LCD screen encourage flexible classroom interaction and natural collaboration simply by touching the screen.

Both the convertible and the clamshell classmate computer designs are based on ethnographic studies and feedback from pilot programs conducted in both mature and emerging PC markets all over the world.

The addition of the new convertible personal computer will coexist with the very successful clamshell design, which is being used in Portugal's Magellan Initiative – the Portuguese government's country-wide program to provide PCs to all elementary school children via the local computer manufacturer and telecom service providers. Similar programs are also in force in Pakistan.

The Magellan Initiative (pronounced Magalhães in Portuguese) is one of most comprehensive educational technology programs in the world and in other countries, like Venezuela, which is also working with Portugal to extend this model for their own country.

The Initiative reflects the scale of such programs that are targeted for the Intel Learning Series.

Intel also unveiled its collaboration with JP Sá Couto, the local OEM in Portugal, and a local design company, CEIIA to develop a completely new design of the Magellan PC that will include features such as unique reading and writing capabilities, a larger LCD touch screen, more RAM for local content and additional Internet connectivity options such as 3G and WiMAX.

These new features meet the unique needs of Portugal and will be offered in addition to the existing solutions as part of the Magellan Program.

Intel is also introducing the Intel® Learning Series, an initiative that integrates hardware, software and various IT services designed specifically for the education segment. The Intel Learning Series supports technology companies that customize products and services in their own country, innovating in and around the classmate PC reference design to enhance and improve students' experiences with technology.

Working together, the technology ecosystem delivers customized products and services to meet the unique needs of education worldwide.

The Intel Learning Series provides a common framework for these companies to communicate their unique roles and values in delivering the total solution to education. Local PC manufacturers will offer both the new Intel-powered convertible classmate PC and the existing clamshell design to students and teachers.

Overall, the computers will be preloaded with student-friendly programs through support from the Intel Learning Series.

Built on Intel architecture and powered by the Intel Atom processor, these purpose-built netbooks provide an affordable and scalable personal computer to support a wide variety of classroom applications and other curriculum activities.

Designed only with university and college students in mind, the classmate PC is small and light enough for anybody to easily carry. Equipped with a water-resistant keyboard, the classmate PC is also "backpack friendly" – able to withstand bumping in a backpack and various accidental drops by some students.

In its smaller "tablet" mode, the convertible classmate PC screen has a "palm rejection" feature that is designed to allow a student to write more naturally by resting their palm on the touch screen. It also includes education-oriented software and applications from software and content vendors in the Intel Learning Series.

"Overall, education is one of the best ways to improve the future for all individuals, young and old, as well as villages or whole countries," said Lila Ibrahim, general manager of the Intel Emerging Markets Platform Group, which developed the classmate PC reference design based on ethnographic research and supports the Intel Learning Series.

"Globally, there are over 1.3 billion school-age children, and of those, less than a mere 5.2 percent have access to a PC somewhere or the Internet itself. The IT industry has a huge opportunity to contribute to how technology can improve students' learning and students' lives. With our announcement today, Intel continues its long-standing commitment to advancing education through technology to transform lives around the world," added Ibrahim.

Intel-powered classmate PCs are part of the Intel Learning Series, offering a cost-effective, end-to-end solution developed in collaboration with PC manufacturers mainly in the U.S., and brought to students by an extensive network of local OEM vendors.

Currently, about 105 software and hardware vendors, content providers, educational service providers and local OEMs have been working with Intel to develop a complete infrastructure to support Intel-powered classmate PCs. Local manufacturers such as CTL, Equus and M&A in the United States, MDG in Canada, CMS in the United Kingdom, NEC in France, Olidata in Chile, ASI in Australia and Hanvon in China will also be offering the convertible classmate PC in their countries.

These offerings complement the existing clamshell design being offered in countries worldwide.

"Our involvement with software and hardware developers ensures that the Intel Learning Series is culturally relevant, sustainable, and supports local economies. Through the Intel Learning Series, we are gathering the great minds and experiences of the IT industry to create a fun and rewarding environment for the students to learn and develop the skills they need in this century."

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Source: Intel.

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