=Class ("Equal Class")

=Class is a digital and hybrid classroom platform that democratises education by given equal opportunities to all students through Hardware Raspberry PI and Software API hub with content and technology purpose-built for learning.

=Class 

1. Hardware- Supply a low cost Raspberry PI system, fully equipped with a camera, keyboard and mouse – ­and is preinstalled with =Class. It can be hooked up to any HDMI screen, like a TV or a cheap monitor.
2. Content: Integrated activity and exercise tools that allows teachers to give work and homework – all solved in the same platform. They can be collaborative or independent exercises. 

An algorithm that assesses video-feeds in real time to discover when children are struggling, need a break or getting cyber bullied.

Automatic recess sessions where kids can interact with their friends. No one will be left behind.

Challenges

1. Distance learning creates, well, distance between teacher and students, and between students
2. Well resourced families generally cope better than families with less resources
3. Many children don’t have access to hardware e.g  computer/tablet and had to borrow or use phones instead, and had to borrow or use phones or tablets that the family had
4. Many students feel emotionally stressed not going to school, due to isolation, lack of support and abuse in the home
5. The tools used for home-based learning are not tailor-made to the task.

Solutions we're looking at

• Source equipment that the school can supply to the kids for free
• Create an integrated platform for learning, where live video, activities and exercises can be done one one tool?
• Support teachers in creating the best environment for learning?
• Ensure that children who are struggling with HBL can get the emotional support they need?
• Keep students engaged throughout the school day?
• Let children play and talk to their friends during recess?
• Make sure cyberbullying is detected and dealt with?

=Class is cheap, flexible, and purpose built for learning. Everyone will get the learning and help they need – and teachers can teach without worrying about the students not participating or feeling left out. 

It bridges the technology gap by using Raspberry Pi – cheap for school districts to supply.

The solution is fully integrated, and there is no need for any other training system. It has a specific set of tools to make home-based learning safer and ensures that everyone is OK, by:

• All video feeds would be analysed in real time, in order to ensure that the students are ok
• If someone looks like they are struggling, the teacher will be alerted and can talk to the student in private
• Screen shot would be turned off for the platform to combat cyber bullying
• Each school district could have psychologists online, so that if anyone needs help, they can provide support
• Video is automatically engaged on the platform to help teachers provide better education
• If the student needs a break (toilet or otherwise), they can turn off video for a short time with a countdown telling them when to be back online

This solution is specifically designed to help teachers and students in primary and secondary education. It is made to equalise, and by doing so democratise learning  by overcoming financial and technological barriers.

=Class is created as a concept specifically to meet the problems presented in this challenge. 

We was specifically alerted to this challenge, and wanted to ideate around the problems. We really wanted to address the financial and technological divide in the world.

It's purpose built for the schools, combining everything in one application – and democratises education for all.

Too early to say. But the potential is every school district in the world.

We aim to prototype with a few selected school districts to reach an MVP. The MVP would then create a "go/no go" decision for =Class.

5 Pax at this stage, all part time (students)

We are all passionate about education, democratisation and technology. Bringing all these elements together in one platform is something we all believe in.

We are a diverse, multi-ethnic group, who are passionate about creating equal opportunity for all.

Because we believe everyone deserves a great learning experience using current technologies.

AS a front end, we require a number of partners in order to deliver our platform.

Raspberry Pi

Zoom

Singapore GovTech