One Computer per child

Is it really possible to give one 'computer' per child in a state like Karnataka to get them to learn? The word computer is so strongly associated with machines and gadgets that the very suggestion is dismissed as being unrealistic. But should a 'computer' be a physical machine? If we could digitize paper, music and video and store them in files on a computer and then bring it alive when needed, why not a digitize a whole computer into a file? These days, computers are so fast that it is possible to feed them a description of an ideal child's computer and have it bring it alive on the screen in a flash. Such 'software' computers can be produced, copied and distributed inexpensively on USB flash memory chips. A child could take such a chip and insert it into the school or home computer and then start a program which would resume a computing session on the monitor. After using it, the child can save the session in a file on the chip and put it back into the school bag. Learning involves a mix of outdoor and indoor plays and reading. Therefore, a single desktop or notebook computer can be shared by many children without interfering with each other's work. Off-school, a child can continue learning on a home computer or a nearby cyber cafe.

A software computer is much more flexible than paper as a learning or teaching medium. The child will never run out of paper, pencils or paint. Textbook authors and teachers can combine audio, video and text to create captivating lessons. Since the software computer is personalized, it can adapt itself to fast learners, slow learners, blind or deaf children very easily. Flash memory chips have become cheaper than textbooks, so the scheme would definitely be affordable.

It is possible to put together such software computers using Squeak. Squeak is a program created specifically as personal learning environment for children. It mimics a typical art and craft play session. Children assemble shapes, sketches and colors into toys and use them to simulate the world around them. Squeak manages to pack a complete multimedia authoring system into a tiny 20MB file called an 'image'. Squeak virtual machine, the program that reconstructs a live session from this image file, runs on Linux, Macintosh and Windows. Its source code is available in public domain for any one to port it to other computing platforms. The image file, like music or video files, can be copied and used on any computer. Digital textbooks and articles can be loaded into Squeak as Projects. Children can also author their own reports or carry out their own art and craft projects. The variety of projects done by school children across the world is a testimony to the versatility of Squeak as a digital learning medium.

I could pack a complete kit containing code to run Squeak on Linux or Windows, two images along with tutorials and documents in less than 128MB! On a 1GB USB flash memory this would leave enough space to carry a few years worth of projects.

Squeak's current handicap is lack of support for Indian languages. Nobody has gotten around to adapting it for Indian languages so far. Once this support is added, then Indian school children can enjoy their own personal software computer that will never become obsolete.