[Server-devel] Lesotho project network server: obstacles & needs

jbalcomb at laptopstolesotho.org jbalcomb at laptopstolesotho.org
Sun Apr 15 19:06:58 EDT 2012


I work with a non-OLPC-affiliated XO laptop project in Lesotho.  Our
project uses G1G1 XO-1 laptops we buy on the open market and refurbish
ourselves.

Like David Leeming in PNG (see Server-devel Digest, Vol 60, Issue 13,
Topic 1 -- Re:  Looking for new low power server hardware candidate), I
work with schools in a very remote area with rough terrain, difficult
access, limited resources, and poorly trained teachers.  Unlike David’s
area, our schools do not have access to internet.

The teachers we work with have absolutely no computer experience coming
into our program.  They are all eager to receive training and use the
computers in their classrooms, but because of their own poor education,
they have trouble following general instructions and retaining the
computer skills we teach them.  We find that they need very detailed,
written, step-by-step instructions for everything.  Most of the time, they
are incapable of extrapolating what they’ve learned and applying it to a
slightly different situation or another activity.

Much of the teaching at the schools is done in English, despite the fact
that English is the teachers’ second language.  Many of them have small
vocabularies with low language proficiency.

Those of us helping them are educators and administrators, not computer
technicians.  For us, most of the discussions and instructions in this
server-devel forum go way over our heads.  We have tried to get computer
specialists to help us set up a server, but this is nearly impossible
because it requires a commitment of days to reach and service our area. 
Twice, computer volunteers have come to our first school to install the
server software from a CD onto a standard PC. But, both times the OLPC XS
software didn’t work and/or was incomplete.  Without internet access, they
were unable to complete the process.  After two years, we still do not
have a functional server for the 86 laptops at that school.  We haven’t
even tried to set up a server at our other school, which will have a total
50 XO laptops by the end of this year.

Our schools charge and operate all their computer equipment off solar
panels and batteries.  During rainy months, computer use is greatly
reduced because of reduced power output.

For all these reasons, we need a very simple, user-friendly, low-energy
network server that can be installed and maintained by non-specialist
people with limited computer skills and without any internet access.  A
plug-n-play style server would be the best solution for us.  Instructions
for installation, maintenance, and use need to be as detailed as possible,
in very simple English.  We need to be able to purchase 1-2 servers at a
time, and we need the server to be available for purchase outside the
official OLPC deployment framework.

Janissa Balcomb
jbalcomb at laptopstolesotho.org

Laptops to Lesotho Inc.
www.laptopstolesotho.inc



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