VAC

Create virtual classroom in remote areas without access to Internet or smart-phone

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Inspiration

Based on the statistics from 2017, the literacy rate for sub-Saharan Africa is about %65. But that is not the only problem; the average poverty rate for sub-Saharan Africa is at %40, and Internet penetration is about %18. That means many people do not have access to smart-phones and Internet. Consequently, they cannot use all the cool Apps and technology which are available to us in Canada/US. Therefore, there is a need to think outside the box, and design alternative ways to improve the education in sub-Saharan Africa. VAC or Virtual Analog Classroom uses radio to bring education to a wider audience.

What it does

VAC creates and manage virtual classroom in remote areas without access to Internet or smart-phone. VAC relies on radio transmitter technology which is cheap and highly available in Africa. The virtual analog class are defined using:

  • Broadcast Frequency, Broadcast Range, Broadcast Time

Using these 3 parameter, we can deliver customized content for different group of people.

There are two roles defined in VAC architect:

VAC Manager:

VAC managers are the teacher or librarians who have access to Windows PS, Internet and Radio Transmitter. Managers define the settings for virtual classrooms and select the content for broadcasting.

VAC Users:

VAC users are student or any public audience with access to a simple radio. To attend the class, students need to just tune to a specific channel at a specific time.

How students benefit from VAC?

  • There is no need to walk several kilometers to reach to the school or library
  • There is more time flexibility for those who may work during the day
  • It is easy to maintain Social Distancing while attending the virtual class
  • It is much more convenient for women with conservative family to benefit from public education

How I built it

It is built with python and Google APIs for speech processing. All the library used are available for both Windows and Ubuntu.

Challenges I ran into

The host side of the project is completely functional. But I could not complete the "Arduino FM Radio". I had the hardware, but I ran into many issue to set it up.

Accomplishments that I'm proud of

I am proud to combine my previous experience in Networking and Software to crate a solution that can be used in poor countries where many people do not have access to Internet and smart-phones. I am also proud that I could develop the the Management Platform completely, and the demo product is fully functional.

What I learned

I learned about African Library Project, and their effort to increase literacy and education across sub-Saharan Africa.

What's next for VAC

To finish the Arduino FM Radio set-up and go live.

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