First-graders will receive high-quality computers
Minister of Education and Science of Georgia Tamar Sanikidze held a special press conference for journalists regarding the project to provide first-graders and their teachers with computers and new learning resources.
The Minister presented journalists with a sample of the computers intended for first-graders and their homeroom teachers for the 2014-2015 academic year and spoke about the improved characteristics that set the selected computers apart. At the press conference, for comparison purposes, the Minister also introduced journalists to the old models and their specifications.
On the same day, a presentation was held for the educational resources recently created for second- and third-graders, which significantly enhance the utilization of computers. The software was presented to journalists by its author, Professor Davit Songhulashvili.
Regarding electronic learning programs for first-graders, the computers will feature pre-loaded interactive educational computer games and exercises in subjects taught in the first grade. This includes approximately 50 different activities across various subjects (Georgian, Mathematics, Nature Studies, Art, etc.). The process of creating new programs is ongoing, and the existing database will be updated periodically. A competition for the creation of new electronic learning resources in various subjects for first-graders will soon be announced.
It is noteworthy that modern 15.6-inch computers will be provided to the homeroom teachers of first-graders, who systematically undergo training in information and communication technologies and other disciplines. The trainings are conducted by the National Center for Teacher Professional Development in cooperation with the company Intel. During the training, teachers themselves create electronic learning resources which they use for network-based exercises, give online assignments to students, and thus make the teaching and learning process even more interesting and diverse. Furthermore, the quality of internet access in schools has significantly improved, making electronic resources accessible to all students.
As for the portable computers for first-graders, they will be purchased this year by the company UGT (46,000 units), and every first-grade student will receive one as a gift. As Tamar Sanikidze noted at the press conference, the new computer intended for first-graders far surpasses its predecessors in technical specifications. The conclusion of the Levan Samkharauli National Forensics Bureau also confirms that the computer is of high quality, meets the required specifications, and is completely free of defects.
The selected equipment is manufactured by ACER, one of the world's leading personal computer manufacturing companies. The manufacturer has repeatedly supplied similar equipment to educational institutions in Europe and other countries around the world, where it enjoys great popularity.
The upgraded computers have the following features:
1) Weight - reduced by a maximum of 250 grams, making it much more convenient to carry and reducing the risk of a child accidentally dropping it. The surface texture is non-slip, and it withstands a 70 cm free fall, as confirmed by the factory-provided certificate.
2) Screen Size and Resolution - Displays a larger image area with higher contrast on a moderately large screen (screen diagonal increased by 1.5", while resolution increased by 40% – previously 0.6 mpx, now 1.01 mpx). The high-resolution screen (11.6 inches, LED backlit TFT LCD, HD 1366 x 768, 16:9 aspect ratio) causes less eye strain for the child.
3) Latest generation processor, significantly more powerful and energy-efficient (at least 30-40% improvement in both indicators). A high-frequency and high-performance processor will allow first-graders to work fully effectively in future grades as well;
4) Thin body and modern design; for safety purposes, the model features rounded corners;
5) Technological innovation: the computer does not require and does not have a cooling fan (cooler), operates silently, and does not heat up during operation;
6) Power source (battery) - improved, operating for approximately 6-7 hours (twice as long as the predecessor);
7) The computer has passed factory drop tests and comes with EU-recognized eco-safety certificates;
8) The product comes with a one-year free warranty service.
The computer stands out not only for its high quality and performance metrics, but also for its low price. By the decision of the management of UGT and its partner company Acer, considering the significance of the project, they offered unprecedentedly low prices for the computers, parameters exceeding the required technical specifications, free warranty service, and the establishment of technological classrooms in several additional schools nationwide.
