Corporate News
Netbook sellers bet on e-learning to boost earnings
A man works on an Acer Aspire One netbook. The netbooks have limited features such as smaller, lower resolution screens and slower processors. Photo/REUTERS
Posted Thursday, September 9 2010 at 00:00
Netbook and mobile Internet access device vendors are betting on e-learning in Kenya to boost sales.
As the government and schools embrace digital content, vendors of lighweight inexpensive laptops are teaming up with software developers to bundle content with Internet devices, in the hope of luring more buyers.
Metasys and MiD companies launched new devices two months ago targeting these new users.
Metasys rolled out mini laptops (Classmate PCs) designed for learners while MiD and CyberSchool introduced iPad lookalike Internet devices, targeting the low-end market.
Manufacturers say the devices allow users to load online education content or use them to access material through the Internet.
Mr Palaf Chanda, the chief architect and group executive officer of CyberSchool says the device costs Sh15,000, but the price is likely to come down with increased sales.
“Previously we concentrated on digitising learning content and school syllabus especially for science subjects, but there was need for mobile Internet devices that the students could carry away from school,” said Mr Chanda.
Research has shown that students using digitised curriculum in sciences tend to perform better.
Metasys has partnered with Kenya Institute of Education to roll out e-learning in a number of schools.
It launched a computer using the Lynx operating system dubbed MeeGO.
Mr Paulo Macaiel, the CEO of Metasys said the Classmate PCs are designed for young people.
The touch screen device comes preloaded with Twitter accounts, a directory and has synchronising network operating systems.
“The device operates on open source software thus eliminating the need for parents or learning institutions to pay licensing fee,” said Mr Macaiel. “After purchasing the device schools are only required to pay Sh320 for support and software upgrade” Kamiti and Mangu High school are among the learning institutions that have bought Classmate PC.
Students are able to interlink with their peers or teachers.
RSS