In pictures: Intel Classmate school

Jabi Lake Secondary School, on the outskirts of Abuja in Nigeria, is the poster child for a project set up by chip-maker Intel aimed at bridging the digital divide.

The government-funded school has been given 280 computers designed specifically for children as well laptops for teachers, internet access and a digital curriculum

Teachers use interactive whiteboards to as well as their own laptops which can connect to the pupil's Classmate PCs to distribute notes and assignments.

The Classmate PCs run a stripped down version of Microsoft Windows but are also offered to schools with an open source Linux operating system.

Pupils are given fans to plug into the PC as a reward for doing well in class - one initiative which has prompted an improvement in grades, according to teachers.

The internet connection is provided by an expensive Wimax link, a long-range wireless connection which floods the Abuja metropolitan area.

A diesel generator has had to also be installed at the school to allow lessons to continue during the frequent power cuts that blight Nigeria.

The commercial scheme has been criticised by some who say it has stifled other not-for-profit projects, such as the $100 laptop programme, that have similar aims.

Jabi School was the first in Africa to receive the laptops but Intel are now planning to work with a further 200 schools across Nigeria.

Back

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Next