Helping rural China...Helping rural China...

Purpose of this presentationPurpose of this presentation

To show why ICT in mass education has failed

It is a fact that no where in the world has any country been successful in implementing ICT in mass Education on nationwide scale using present latest technologies. This explains why.

To show how using an older OS and tools combined with latest tools, can this be overcome. Thus AGE is born.

We call this the missing link that the world has missedand should be used first to migrate from paper to digitalbefore we go into the latest tech.

Is it a wonder that 5.5 billions of the world’s 6.5 billions are still unconnected? AGE intends to change that … to reach out to all.

AGE - project funded byAGE - project funded by

Cradle investment Programme CIP

MDeC Technopreneur Pre-seed Fund Both are Government grants

A project to close the digital divide between nations and rural / urban areas until now a big challenge globally.

AGE - Finalist in AGE - Finalist in Stockholm Challenge 2008 Stockholm Challenge 2008

only Malaysian qualifieronly Malaysian qualifier

A finalist in the A finalist in the Stockholm Challenge 2008Stockholm Challenge 2008“...“...was chosen as a finalist for its innovative ways of was chosen as a finalist for its innovative ways of creating more or less paperless classrooms by the creating more or less paperless classrooms by the effective use of ICT in mass education and for finding effective use of ICT in mass education and for finding new ways to extend education to remote areasnew ways to extend education to remote areas and and developing countries.”developing countries.”

Ulla Skidén, Project Manager, Stockholm ChallengeUlla Skidén, Project Manager, Stockholm Challenge

Full text/press release Full text/press release

Today’s problems with rural ICT in Today’s problems with rural ICT in mass Education mass Education – local and globally – local and globally

Current platforms to deliver contents - CDs / DVDs expensive not practical

- Flash / Javas online broadband required

Yes , both can be very elaborate and rich in presentation.. but

Both are Rich men’s platforms trying to reach the poor men (those without broadband or CDs in cities and rural areas)There are just too many problems using these !

AGE is a poor men’s platform able to reach the rich and poor men.AGE can reach the remotest areas in seconds of download for hours of animated instructions/usage through slow 56kps dial ups or mobile phones.

Connecting the entire nationConnecting the entire nation <=><=> …….. ……..to close the digital divides ……………to close the digital divides ……………

To bridge the digital divides, current efforts have been to lay out broadband services to rural areas.

Please consider these issues:-

1. It takes time and lots of money to do so.2. Financial tsunami is coming… can we afford it? 3. Even if money is available, it still takes a long time to do it.4. Yes, you have broadband coverage, can the urban poor afford it? 5. Even if the broadband is laid out successfully, can it really work for nationwide ICT in education?

- What would happen, if the whole country logs in at exactly 8 a.m. ?

- Will the server freeze? Like in the case of a DDOS attack?

So while you are hoping for the “broadband solution”, the unconnected remains unconnected for a long time… even if you have the money.

The missing link in ICT in mass The missing link in ICT in mass Education Education – local and globally – local and globally

Reasons for problems in adoption of ICT in Mass Education to reach out to everyone – rural and urban.

1. Paper - universal – everybody

2. MISSING LINK - AGE - animated multimedia – not so rich but relevant - AGE provides that link but requires computers That allows all electronic media of transmission Diskettes, pen drives, CDs, dial ups, broadband, mobile phones, satellites

3. CDs/DVDs limited to reachable areas - very rich big sized

4. Flash/Java limited to broadband areas – smaller and nice

AGE complements all other platforms and does not replace any Every platform has its usefulness and strengths AGE is about reach not rich - it reaches to all

Practical Tech Not High TechPractical Tech Not High Tech

Quote:"In my nearly 14 years of writing about information and communications technology (ICT), I have never come across an ICT company which adopted as sensible and common sense approach to technology“ unquote                 Surf Malaysia magazine September, 2008Charles F Moreira  Senior WriterMobile World see article

What AGE does.What AGE does.1.1. Easy availability of Contents to allEasy availability of Contents to all

Digital communities

AGE solves this problem.

It makes it easy to reach anyone, anywhere, anytime and in the mostdifficult situations. AGE modules are so small that it takes seconds ofdownloads for hours of usage through a slow dial up or mobile phone!

2. 2. Empowering teachers to the next Empowering teachers to the next level.level. To empower teachers from

Paper / blackboard to ---> Digital Classrooms

---> Digital Tutorials and Homework

Entire homework cycle video=> generate contents => students use =>collate answers = > into Spreadsheets. All paperless instantly !

Try Authorware, Directors etc are too expensiveWe don’t think teachers can afford up to US$3,000/station AGE – US$35-00 per year (normal US50-00), Specially made for simple use for any teacher

3. 3. Paperless Homework for Paperless Homework for a greener worlda greener world

1 child go paperless is nothing

1 million children going paperless is significant

10 million children.. That is awesome!

That’s a lot of trees saved.

Trees.. Mother of all environment protections. Reduce our Carbon footprints… only with AGE

Objective 4 Objective 4 Nationwide data collation of students’ Nationwide data collation of students’ performances made easy.performances made easy.

Entire homework cycle video

=> generate contents => students use =>collate answers = > into Spreadsheets. All students’ performance data collected are in digital spreadsheets instantly !

Millions of children’s score sheets is now available anytime and anywhere

This allows teachers to collate the data into Spreadsheets.

This electronic spreadsheets’ data in turn be centralised and analysed by the State or central headquarters .

This powerful capability allows the country to take corrective measures to students’ strengths and weaknesses for the ENTIRE COUNTRY! (until now an impossible task by even the most developed countries)

5. Lighter school bags …. 5. Lighter school bags …. Cheaper and flood resistant! Cheaper and flood resistant!

Text books and exercise books = US 100 for say 3 years = US300. (Flood? Buy all again)

1 pen drive 4 gigabytes …… = US10 Able to store Preschools to upper secondary schools tutorials and workbooks

13 years of school materials in AGE platform !!

Today’s heavy schoolbags

Schoolbags of future 13 years of contents

The five “impossibles” achieved with AGEThe five “impossibles” achieved with AGEWith AGE this is possible.With AGE this is possible.

1. Easy availability of multimedia contents throughout the country Rural and urban with or without broadband , anywhere , anytime, any poverty level

2.. Empowering teachers to the next level for a greener world

3. A greener world through paperless homework by all schools.

4. Abilities to collate students’ performance data for the entire country very easily and anytime – an impossible task today without huge cost.

5. No more this but this

With AGE it is very easy done by all developing countries.

What we have done so far....What we have done so far....Go to Modules' foldersGo to Modules' folders Contents listContents list

Preschools – multi languages Preschools – multi languages Chinese, Malay and English Chinese, Malay and English Primary schools UPSR Primary schools UPSR English revisions/tutorials/model testsEnglish revisions/tutorials/model tests Lower Secondary PMRLower Secondary PMR English tutorials/model testsEnglish tutorials/model tests Chinese MandarinChinese Mandarin basic hanyu pinyin tutorials for International basic hanyu pinyin tutorials for International

students, basic conversation and words. Primary schools exercises students, basic conversation and words. Primary schools exercises Additional MathsAdditional Maths SPM Tutorials/model tests Forms4/5 O levelsSPM Tutorials/model tests Forms4/5 O levels > 400 E-books> 400 E-books- - instant home libraryinstant home library

Aesops' fables, children stories, Novels, Sci-fi, Poems, Plays, Aesops' fables, children stories, Novels, Sci-fi, Poems, Plays, Adventure stories, Short stories, Miscellaneous stories.Adventure stories, Short stories, Miscellaneous stories.

Plus many more to comePlus many more to come ! !

The ProofsThe Proofs - Running AGE modules - Running AGE modules......Seconds of downloads hours of usage – small sized filesSeconds of downloads hours of usage – small sized files

Can mix AGE with other platformsCan mix AGE with other platformse.g. with Power point , browser etce.g. with Power point , browser etc

Note: if you want to run AGE here, you must first have installed AGE tools to the computer. For Note: if you want to run AGE here, you must first have installed AGE tools to the computer. For convenience run videos.convenience run videos.

4 stroke engines4 stroke enginesRun 4 strokes engineRun 4 strokes engine in using AGE in using AGE (73k)(73k) See folderSee folder <=<= only if AGE has been installedonly if AGE has been installed

Additional Mathematics O level Additional Mathematics O level videovideoRun AGE- additional MathsRun AGE- additional Maths see folder see folder <= only if AGE has been installed<= only if AGE has been installed

Learn Chinese with sound and interactions Learn Chinese with sound and interactions video video Run AGE- Chinese sample See folder Run AGE- Chinese sample See folder <=<= only if AGE has been installedonly if AGE has been installed

Learning EnglishLearning English through Anti-smoking campaign video through Anti-smoking campaign video ((or anti-drug, anti-AIDs?)or anti-drug, anti-AIDs?)Run Anti-smoking moduleRun Anti-smoking module See FolderSee Folder <=<= only if AGE has been installedonly if AGE has been installed

Create instant Digital HomeworkCreate instant Digital Homework ( 3 minutes or less)( 3 minutes or less) video video Run in AGE Run in AGE <=<= only if AGE has been installedonly if AGE has been installed

Display non AGE high resolution graphics in Display non AGE high resolution graphics in

power point or in standard IE browser power point or in standard IE browser ===> ===> User can then mix AGE with these platforms. User can then mix AGE with these platforms. This PowerPoint page is about 300Kbytes. This PowerPoint page is about 300Kbytes. Compare AGE’s much more info - only 73Kbytes Compare AGE’s much more info - only 73Kbytes

Other Other freefree software included software included All links here are valid only if the software had been installed firstAll links here are valid only if the software had been installed first

FreeFree Wordweb dictionary Wordweb dictionary Very useful when looking up for words. Beats any Very useful when looking up for words. Beats any paperbased dictionaries. paperbased dictionaries. Run Wordweb Run Wordweb (valid if installed)(valid if installed)

Speakonia – Text to speech software Speakonia – Text to speech software This assists students how to pronounce any word...based This assists students how to pronounce any word...based on Microsoft Speech engine. on Microsoft Speech engine. Speakonia Text-to-speechSpeakonia Text-to-speech

Irfanview graphic programsIrfanview graphic programsfor teachers to convert and maintain their graphics.for teachers to convert and maintain their graphics.

AGE text based Dictionaries/translators AGE text based Dictionaries/translators English, English<Malay, English<Malay>Chinese with English, English<Malay, English<Malay>Chinese with sound support. Scientific terms for Malay<>English plus sound support. Scientific terms for Malay<>English plus many more to …………come. many more to …………come. Run AGE dictionaryRun AGE dictionary

Support materials provided Support materials provided freefree for teachers for teachers

Extra supporting materials Extra supporting materials continuously supplied free for registered continuously supplied free for registered teachers/users!teachers/users!

Thousands of Graphics Thousands of Graphics TemplatesTemplates Background patternsBackground patterns

for easy creation of modules.for easy creation of modules.

AGE can reach out to all under AGE can reach out to all under the most extreme conditionsthe most extreme conditions

Zone 1 – Zone 1 – a. a. urban and suburban with broadbandurban and suburban with broadband Most systems in the world cater to this zone only.Most systems in the world cater to this zone only.

b. urban and suburban without broadband b. urban and suburban without broadband

Zone 2 - Zone 2 - rural with dial ups with direct land linerural with dial ups with direct land line

Zone 3 - Zone 3 - rural with satellite links withrural with satellite links with electricity electricity

Zone 4 – Zone 4 – rural no links and electricity near to telecenterrural no links and electricity near to telecenterUsing a pen drive students copy contents from telecenter and return to villageUsing a pen drive students copy contents from telecenter and return to village

Zone 5 - Zone 5 - rural areas without any link or electricity (middlerural areas without any link or electricity (middleof nowhere but within postal service)of nowhere but within postal service)

Zone 1 to 3 … Zone 1 to 3 … AGE easily reachAGE easily reach Zone 4 and 5. Zone 4 and 5. Use a simple pen drive to deliver entire year’s contents. No need to access Use a simple pen drive to deliver entire year’s contents. No need to access

real time. Use solar power with ULPC (ultra low cost PCs). 1 pen drive can contain the entire real time. Use solar power with ULPC (ultra low cost PCs). 1 pen drive can contain the entire requirements from preschools to secondary schools. No running cost.requirements from preschools to secondary schools. No running cost.

How AGE helps out of reachHow AGE helps out of reach TelecentersTelecenters`̀ Currently Telecenters with slow satellite links or dial up links cannot get access Currently Telecenters with slow satellite links or dial up links cannot get access

to good multimedia contents to good multimedia contents Good for emails or general browsingGood for emails or general browsingTime based would cost moneyTime based would cost money

With With AGEAGE, people can come to telecenters, study or access other facilities , people can come to telecenters, study or access other facilities good interactive multimedia modules. good interactive multimedia modules. When time is up they can take the entire contents good enough for 1 or more When time is up they can take the entire contents good enough for 1 or more years home. No need to come everyday for contents.years home. No need to come everyday for contents.

A thumb drive is all that is needed to take contents to and from telecentersA thumb drive is all that is needed to take contents to and from telecenters. .

Reach out to the most remote areas ! Reach out to the most remote areas !

What is required to run AGEWhat is required to run AGE

AGE Educator module to read all AGE AGE Educator module to read all AGE modulesmodules

AGE E-workbook generator for teachersAGE E-workbook generator for teachers Old or new PCs .. Cheap ULPCsOld or new PCs .. Cheap ULPCs Cheap solar power …for low powered Cheap solar power …for low powered

ULPC ULPC Delivery… any way available in the Delivery… any way available in the

market. No need broadband. market. No need broadband.

AGE ups the ICT usage Index AGE ups the ICT usage Index

With AGE the use of ICT in Education With AGE the use of ICT in Education wouldwouldincrease greatly when the most rural to increase greatly when the most rural to the most urban schools use AGE daily.the most urban schools use AGE daily.

……. Comparable to even the most . Comparable to even the most developed countries in the world. developed countries in the world. (most of (most of them still on paper based learning in spite of all the them still on paper based learning in spite of all the advances and installations)advances and installations)

This is because current technologies This is because current technologies used do not make it practical to go fully used do not make it practical to go fully digital.digital.until AGE arrives to all developing countries.until AGE arrives to all developing countries.

Other countries... Other countries...

Our next stop the world...Our next stop the world...

China , Pakistan, Africa, India, IndonesiaChina , Pakistan, Africa, India, Indonesia

… all developing countries where the digital … all developing countries where the digital divides are most pronounced divides are most pronounced

AGE looking for International AGE looking for International partners… e.g. partners… e.g.

India – North Eastern Bangladesh

Pakistan Nigeria

Actively seeking partners in Actively seeking partners in other countries… other countries… High High Commissions/embassiesCommissions/embassies

AGE is currently approaching all developing countries where the digital divides are most pronounced and where the needs are most urgent.

AGE hopes to uplift education & ICT penetrations and usage comparable to developed countries.... Through practical Tech not high Tech,and through Environmental friendly initiativesget rid of papers, chalks, inks and toners.

Meetings with Embassies and High Meetings with Embassies and High Commission officials Commission officials of different countriesof different countries

Azerbaijan Bangladesh

India Sri Lanka

Meetings with Embassies and High Meetings with Embassies and High Commission officials Commission officials of different countriesof different countries

Swaziland Tanzania

Ghana Fiji

Our offer to Ministry of Our offer to Ministry of EducationEducation

Develop contents for other subjects in AGE platform

Joint venture development with Paperless Homework Sdn Bhd We provide the technology and MOE provides the funding. With commercial capabilities selling to other countries.

MOE develop their own assisted by Paperless Homework Sdn Bhd Training provided by Paperless Homework Sdn Bhd

Paperless Homework ….Paperless Homework ….

Get teachers in schools to initiate paperless homework .

Results: Teachers would be more effectiveTeachers save lots of time correcting students’ answer papersStudents save lots of money for canteen.Greener world by using less paperTeachers save time collating answersTeachers, schools, Department of Education and MOE would be able to monitor effectively students’ performances by the day instead of yearly. Students would learn much faster.Unlimited number of exercises.

Practice makes perfect !

Training the Training the schools/graduatesschools/graduatesWe can provide AGE tools and contents for

the schools.

WE can train MOE staff who in turn train the teachers. … under our peer couching program.

MOE initiates a training program for schools on how to effectively use AGE We have encountered schools not knowing how even to download.

Trains the 3,000 fresh graduates on AGE under the Stimulus program.They would be gainfully employed instead of just looking after the schoolnet online system

Benefits to Ministry of Benefits to Ministry of Education using AGE …Education using AGE …

Good complementary solution to existing flashGood complementary solution to existing flashand CD Rom platformsand CD Rom platforms

Abilities to monitor all participating studentsAbilities to monitor all participating students Cost of implementation nationwide very low Cost of implementation nationwide very low

for nationwide rolloutfor nationwide rollout Use existing infrastructures to implementUse existing infrastructures to implement Reach out to all areas by Reach out to all areas by

1. Pre- install entire contents in 1 pen drive (5 years of contents)1. Pre- install entire contents in 1 pen drive (5 years of contents)2. download through all kinds of speed from dial up to broadband2. download through all kinds of speed from dial up to broadband3. In absence of Internet connection… mobile phone can be used.3. In absence of Internet connection… mobile phone can be used. No need for satellite links to access No need for satellite links to access

Easy to develop contentsEasy to develop contents

Benefits to Ministry of Benefits to Ministry of Education using AGE …Education using AGE …

Teachers all over the country can now Teachers all over the country can now exchangeexchange their own contentstheir own contents

By putting many modules in AGE format that By putting many modules in AGE format that runs offline, the online schoolnet would be runs offline, the online schoolnet would be less less overloadedoverloaded..

Create Create a greener a greener environment friendly schools environment friendly schools by going paperless homework.by going paperless homework.

Use AGE to convey Use AGE to convey health messageshealth messages like like Learning English through Anti smoking , Anti Learning English through Anti smoking , Anti drugs campaigns etcdrugs campaigns etc

Able to make use of Able to make use of Home computersHome computers into main into main stream ICT in Education.stream ICT in Education.

SellSell the ready modules globally. the ready modules globally.

AGE is good for studentsAGE is good for students We would show how…. We would show how….

Students canStudents can Easily obtain lessons & homeworkEasily obtain lessons & homework .. Anytime, Anywhere, carryAnytime, Anywhere, carry

around, any financial situationaround, any financial situation

Getting their contents through CDs, online schoolnet, dial ups , Getting their contents through CDs, online schoolnet, dial ups , mobile phones, satellitesmobile phones, satellites..When this is the case, usage of AGE would be nearly as good as When this is the case, usage of AGE would be nearly as good as books.books.

Save money for canteenSave money for canteen than paying for papers to do homeworkthan paying for papers to do homework

Fast learningFast learning modules are available to themmodules are available to them

Language learning easyLanguage learning easy - like English and Mandarin with voice- like English and Mandarin with voice

Take it homeTake it home - - when lessons cannot be completed in class, students when lessons cannot be completed in class, students can copy and do them at homecan copy and do them at home

Lighter school bagsLighter school bags - becomes a pen drive- becomes a pen drive. . Future schoolbagFuture schoolbag

AGE solution for teachersAGE solution for teachersWe would show how….We would show how….

Teachers canTeachers can Easily obtain lessons & homeworkEasily obtain lessons & homework from anywhere easilyfrom anywhere easily

Getting their contents through CDs, online schoolnet, dial ups , mobile phones, Getting their contents through CDs, online schoolnet, dial ups , mobile phones, satellites and use in class.satellites and use in class.

Pick and choose one topic/subjectPick and choose one topic/subject. . Not whole CDNot whole CD

Create their own digital contentsCreate their own digital contents ! ! Most of the time, teachers have their own Most of the time, teachers have their own set of questions to ask or contents to teach. No need to wait for CDs or online set of questions to ask or contents to teach. No need to wait for CDs or online sources.sources.

Entire cycle =>Entire cycle => generate contents generate contents =>=> students use students use =>=>collate collate answers answers = >= > into Spreadsheets. into Spreadsheets. All paperlessAll paperless No need to shout and read in class like English and Mandarin with voiceNo need to shout and read in class like English and Mandarin with voice

Ease Teachers’ workloadEase Teachers’ workload…… even for students with old computers,even for students with old computers,Diskettes or pen drives.Diskettes or pen drives.

Teachers ExchangeTeachers Exchange - - can share among each other in our Teachers’ can share among each other in our Teachers’ exchange Center.exchange Center.

AGE solution for schoolAGE solution for schoolWe would show how….We would show how….

Schools can…Schools can…

IncreaseIncrease use use of ICT in schoolsof ICT in schools Overcome Overcome lacklack of teachers of teachers Better overall Better overall performanceperformance by students by students Less pressure on schools to have large computer Less pressure on schools to have large computer labs since labs since

home computershome computers are being used for education are being used for education Access very easily contents Access very easily contents universallyuniversally used and used and

sharedshared Contribute to a Contribute to a greener worldgreener world..

Strengths and Weaknesses of AGEStrengths and Weaknesses of AGE To achieve all these, AGE sacrifices certain features common inTo achieve all these, AGE sacrifices certain features common in

high definitions modules found in CDs/Flash.high definitions modules found in CDs/Flash.

Read strengths of AGERead strengths of AGE

Read weaknesses of AGERead weaknesses of AGE and compare.and compare.

- - Like the books, AGE is about learning not about winning Like the books, AGE is about learning not about winning a beauty contest a beauty contest - AGE is a solution to solve the difficult problems of digital divides- AGE is a solution to solve the difficult problems of digital divides

Rich cartoons and animations, impress for a second. Rich cartoons and animations, impress for a second. After that what the user wants isAfter that what the user wants is “ teach me how to add 1+ 1 = 2 ” “ teach me how to add 1+ 1 = 2 ” … no more slow animations … no more slow animations..

AGE is about instructions for students to learn conveniently and AGE is about instructions for students to learn conveniently and universally. It is universally. It is practical tech not high tech.practical tech not high tech.

The rich pays for the poor..The rich pays for the poor.. This project allows government This project allows government to save a lot of moneyto save a lot of money

building infra- structures like computers, broadband, building infra- structures like computers, broadband,

development of contents , teachers etc.development of contents , teachers etc.

The poorest can have access today for The poorest can have access today for freefree..

The rich supports the entire project. (those who can The rich supports the entire project. (those who can afford afford

computers) computers)

a 30 seconds video to conclude this presentationa 30 seconds video to conclude this presentation

Our submission for Our submission for Google 10^100Google 10^100

project contest…. project contest….

Who can help the most people on earth. We help 6 billions on EarthWho can help the most people on earth. We help 6 billions on Earth

Google 10^100 - AGE is really small & practicalGoogle 10^100 - AGE is really small & practical

We invite Ministry of We invite Ministry of EducationEducation

Develop contentsDevelop contents for other for other subjects in AGE platform…subjects in AGE platform…

Joint venture developmentJoint venture development with Paperless Homework Sdn Bhdwith Paperless Homework Sdn Bhd We provide the technology and MOE provides the funding. We provide the technology and MOE provides the funding. With commercial capabilities selling to other countries. With commercial capabilities selling to other countries.

MOE develop their ownMOE develop their own assisted by assisted by Paperless Homework Sdn Bhd. Paperless Homework Sdn Bhd. Training provided by Paperless Homework Sdn Bhd Training provided by Paperless Homework Sdn Bhd

End of slides. Next slide our contacts. End of slides. Next slide our contacts.

Systems requirements for AGESystems requirements for AGE

AGE runs on AGE runs on WinXPs and below. WinXPs and below. (Vista not supported) (Vista not supported)

Hardware: Hardware: PC486 or abovePC486 or aboveIdeal will be Ultra Low Cost PCs (ULPCs)Ideal will be Ultra Low Cost PCs (ULPCs)running WinXPsrunning WinXPs

Runs under DOS/Windows environments. Runs under DOS/Windows environments.

Vista/Windows 7 or Linux versionVista/Windows 7 or Linux versionexpected to be released in mid 2010expected to be released in mid 2010

For more developments...For more developments...

Log in to our web site and find more about our developments....

www.paperlesshomework.com

Help us spread the word and raise money for your school or charity or yourself while doing it! Contact me for 1 to 1 talk.Email: paperlesshomework@yahoo.com

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