The Department of Education (DepEd) has teamed up with the local office of software firm Microsoft to launch a self-contained Internet-connected classroom called EGG that can be transported to remote areas and can generate its own water and power system.
The EGG can accommodate more than 30 students and can be set up within three days, according to DepEd. ?[It] is an innovative approach that addresses the archipelagic nature of our country where delivering education to every nook and cranny is a real challenge,? the agency said.
A self-sustaining, fully functional learning facility, the EGG can be dropped off by an helicopter, truck, or boat anywhere in the country and can be set up by the villagers themselves.
?We believe now is the perfect time to fully harness the power of technology and help Filipino learners get a 21st century education through connectivity for all and Microsoft is glad to be spearheading this initiative with DepEd.? said Karrie Ilagan, general manager for Microsoft Philippines.
The EGG, which is equipped with IT tools that can aid both students and teachers, can serve as an independent classroom or can be connected and stacked together with other EGGs to form clusters, pop-up classrooms, or a whole school.
The DepEd said it can also be used as a storm shelter for the areas where they will be deployed.
Designed to be fully independent, the EGG generates its own power through solar panels found on top of its roof and collects rainwater that can be used to irrigate the land it is on or to be filtered as drinking water.
It is also connected to the internet via TV White Space ? the unused VHF and UHF TV channels that can be used to deliver broadband access over wider areas. Its wide range and obstacle penetration characteristics make it a better option for connectivity in the provinces where schools are far away from telecommunications cell sites.
The first EGG will be deployed in Bohol in July, while more EGGs are expected to be set up as DepEd looks to implement them in provinces across the country.
