by Juli Ann Sibi
UP Cebu Intern
A ruggedized, water-resistant laptop hybrid computer has been developed for students in the primary to tertiary levels.
The laptop, which can also be used as a tablet when detached from its keyboard dock, is programmed for use in a modern classroom setup, said Mylene Abiva, president of Felta Multi-Media, Inc., which developed the device in partnership with Intel Education and Microsoft Philippines.
She said the laptop’s primary feature is the pre-installed classroom management program, “a collaborative classroom-learning solution used to deliver lesson content, receive student work, and administer assessments safely and securely.”
The program works with Felta devices connected to a wireless Felta-only network that has a range of a regular classroom, removing the need for a WiFi network.
Through the program, teachers can view images, files, books and videos, then project them on the devices of students, removing the need for a projector.
They can also receive outputs from students within the network.
“The device helps us advocate for a paper-less education. Students can submit their class outputs with a simple send button in the program.
There is no need for WiFi access or email accounts, because you just need to be connected to the network,” Abiva said.
The program also allows the teacher to block certain sites easily.
Irene Lopez, Cebu City National Science High School teacher and Intel Education ambassador, said the device is a cost-effective way of enhancing the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum.
The device comes with a macro lens that can serve as a microscope with a magnification of 500x and Intel’s Education Lab Camera program, that allows students to take a snapshot of a substance and identify it.
It also comes with a thermal scanner, a temperature probe, a data logger and a math equation-friendly document program.
“As a teacher, I feel like the device can really help younger students. It lessens the work load for them and the need for so many instruments that are complicated to use,” said Lopez.
The device is not available in retail. Schools have to order the device through Felta at P20,599 per unit.
The unit will come with all the features and programs, plus a free library of over 6,000 titles.
“It’s too expensive, but we know that this can really help students in our school. The problem is, we don’t even have money for facilities and proper chairs,” said a representative of Lilo-an National High School, who asked not to be named.
Abiva said they were in talks with the Department of Education in Region 7 to make the device available to public school students in Cebu.