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Educational Home Computing Initiative
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Video games for global development?
O V E R V I E W
The Educational Home Computer Initiative (eHCI) is organizing the development and deployment of educational software for highly affordable computers that connect to a family's television set. These 8-bit systems are currently available in China and India for less than $12. These computers are sold with a fully functional keyboard, mouse, and game controllers, and hundreds of cartridge-based programs. We are exploring the possibility of using 8-bit computers as a platform for locally-relevant, effective educational software for middle income families, particularly in developing economies.
W H Y ?
The price of TV computers (~$12) is far more accessible to the middle classes of developing countries than traditional PCs (>$300). India, for instance, has a burgeoning middle class but a per capita income of less than $1000 USD. Nevertheless, TV penetration in India has now reached 50% of all households, which not only provides a platform for TV-computers but also potentiates a demand for more interactive media experiences. The interactivity offered by 8 bit platforms may seem limited in comparison to modern computers, but keep in mind that millions of first-world consumers bought and loved Nintento NES only a decade and a half ago. By combining games with educational content, 8-bit TV computers can be highly appealing to both children and parents. Many families will also collectively benefit from a shared computer experience (around a TV) than the individuated experience of a laptop or PC.
I N T R O
A couple of us were walking down the streets of Bangalore in March 2008, and saw an 'educational' tv game set being sold for rs550 (about $14). It came with a keyboard, game controllers and two game cartridges. One cartridge claimed to contain "9,999,999 games in 1"and the other taught typing... and 48 other skills. We were skeptical, and bargained, and ended up walking away with rs500 ($12.50) educational computer. Turns out it actually worked. It's a real computer.
One major question is: What should we try to teach to students in developing contexts?
DerekLomas |
Latest page update: made by DerekLomas
, Sep 6 2008, 5:10 PM EDT
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