Beekee Microserver Brings Offline Learning to Remote Areas

when Mark Alan Spirper, to Education for Humanity at Arizona State University He arrived at a refugee camp along Thai–Myanmar The border, the scene was a typical of many crises areas: no InternetUnreliable power, few resources. But within minutes, he and local NGO partners were able to create a full -feature digital semester using anything more than a solar panel and a yellow soup.

Only ready students Smartphones Old tablets were reaching the content through BicyMicroserver, a lightweight, independent Microserver, can convert any location into a digital semester emanating in a non -connection mode.

While represented international initiatives Goga Try connecting each school to the Internet, and the timetable and cost remains difficult. Until then, according to UNESCOGlobal Education Monitoring Report, schools can arise in low -income countries online One billion dollars per day.

Becky, which he founded Vincent and destroy and Sergio Estupiñán During doctoral studies in Department of Educational Technology Subordinate Geneva UniversityIt seeks to bridge the communication gap through its easy post.

At the heart of the Becky box Berries on the basis of PI Microserver, surrounded by ventilation 3D printingHeat heat, plastic shell. Futures for negative and active cooling, weather flexibility, and field reforms, can carry heat in arid climates such as Jordan and the North Kenya.

With its devices that are often deployed in remote areas, where repair options are few, Beekee Supplies Friendly Fredly Fredly Stl and G-code Files for partners, and enabling them to manufacture spare parts on a 3D printer. “We have seen them using recycled plastic threads in Kenya and Lebanon to print spare parts within days,” says Estupiñán.

The device consumes less than 10 watts of energy, which makes it easy to turn on for more than 12 hours on an inexpensive 20,000 Milliaamp- Clock (MAH) Energy Bank. Alternately, Beeke can work on compressed Solar panelsWhere the battery backup can provide up to two hours, even on a cloudy day or at night. “This type of Energy efficiency Marcel Hirtl says from GapThe German Development Agency that uses Becky in Indonesia your Digital learning platformAccessible to farmers in remote areas of training. “We are working as charging the phone represents a challenge,” he says.

The device works on custom Linux distribution And an open source programs. that it Wi-fi The Hotspot contains 40 meters, which provides enough coverage for two neighboring people or a small courtyard. Up to 40 learners can call at one time using their smartphones, tablets or LED computersWithout applications or Internet access necessary. Beeke’s interface depends on the browser.

However, the yellow box does not aim to replace the Internet. It is designed to complement it, using the frequency range available to synchronize whenever it is available across 3G or 4G Communications.

Although 3G/4G connection is in many publishing areas, but it is fragile. Mobile phone networks It suffers from speed caps and high data costs congestion. Running Educational content or reliance on cloud platforms becomes impractical. But the Internet -based internet connection, including emerging Liu satellite Like service providers StarlinkIt is still a savings Windows An opportunity to download and download content to the yellow square.

Beeke 3D design files can be used to repair the offensive organization E -learning Funds, using a screwdriver and 3D printer only. Bicy

MOODLE without contact with e -learning

Beeke hosts e -learning tools for teachers and students, and they offer an internet connection Moodle Confronting-open source learning management system. Via moodle, teachers can use Score Packages and H5P unitsand Technical standards It is usually used to fill and deliver e -learning materials.

“Beeke is designed to back down with current training platforms,” ​​says Estupiñán. “We synchronize the learner’s progress, content updates, and analyzes without changing how the organization is already working.”

Beeke also comes with OAR Educational Resources (OER))It includes Wikipedia is not connectedand Khan Academy Videos in multiple languages, coordinated educational content. “We don’t just want to provide content,” said Estupiñán. “

Before turning to Beeke, some organizations tried to create an internet learning platforms or work with third -party developers.

Some ignore facts such as intense heat, power failureAnd the display of the reluctance of the internet close to zero-while others tried the solutions that were primarily a file Libraries Denial as educational platforms.

Sperber says: “Most independent systems do not support updates from the distance or synchronization of learner and analyzes,” Sperber says. “They delivered PDF files, not actual educational experiences that include interactive practice, evaluation, comments, or anything similar.”

In addition, many systems lack sustainable maintenance strategies and maintenance devices under field conditions. Estupiñán says: “The technology may have looked elegant, but when things failed, there was no reform plan,” says Estupiñán. “We have designed Beeke so that users who are not specialists can fix things using a screwdriver and local 3D printer.”

Beeke runs its production line using a 3D printer farm in Geneva, capable of producing up to 30 units allocated per day. But it does not only make devices, but also provides training, support for educational design and continuous technical assistance. “The real challenge is not only the introduction of technology in this field, but it maintains it,” says Estupiñán.

Next limits: AI in non -communication mode

Future plans include integration Small language models (SLMS) directly in the box. A lightweight artificial intelligence engine can automate tasks such as grades, report concerts, or support teachers who have local lessons plans.

“AI in non -communication mode is the next big step.” “It allows us to provide smart support to teachers who may be isolated, satisfied or exhausted.”

Beeke has made a partnership with more than 40 organizations in approximately 30 countries. Founded five years ago, and he now has a team of seven. The company recently joined UNESCO World Education Alliance Besides Corsiraand MicrosoftAnd Google. Although Beeke is mainly used in low -resource environments, its first design in internet non -connection is now to pay attention to the broader contexts.

in France and SwitzerlandSecondary schools began using Beeke devices to give students digital access without being fully exposed to the Internet during the classroom. Teachers use it for external projects, such as the field work of biology, allowing students to share photos and notes via a local network. “The system is also considered for safe learning that is not connected to the Internet in correction facilities, and companies explore their capabilities to train in isolated specific settings for privacy,” says Widmer.