The OLPC XO, Intel Classmate PC and Asus Eee PC user study

By Constance Sibanda

Background [1] ICTs have become one of the crucial building blocks for a better education ICT in education is the application of technology within the context of

education ICTs are often out of the reach of the poor and those in rural areas for a

number of reasons:Lack of appropriate products; Insufficient funds; Insufficient knowledge;Language barriers

Background [2]The recent creation of small, low cost and low powered laptops called

netbooks, are seen as possible solutions to allow integration of ICTs in education in these disadvantaged communities

The recently created netbooks include: the OLPC XO laptop the Intel Classmate the Asus Eee PC the Lenovo mini-netbook

Aim of the projectThe aim of the project was to evaluate the suitability and intuitiveness of

OLPC XO, Intel Classmate PC and Asus Eee PC within an educational context for previously disadvantaged learners at a secondary school level.

It is hoped that this project will help contribute to the decision making processes in providing ICTs in schools

Methodology [1]A user study was undertaken as a means of conducting assessmentThree teachers and three learners from previously disadvantaged schools in

Grahamstown were chosen to participate in the project. The teachers were chosen by their school principals based on their

commitment and interests in the researchThe teachers in turn chose the learners they wanted to work with,

concentrating on responsible learners from the school

Methodology [2]Pre intervention questionnaires were first distributed to both the learners

and teachers. This provided information about their computer literacy and their views

concerning the use of ICTs in educationHowever, limited questionnaire responses were obtained from participants

Methodology [3]15 minutes interviews were conducted with the participants after they had

spent 2 weeks with each laptopThis allowed them to draw out their experience with the

netbookThe interviews were recorded using HP Compaq nx9010 laptop, Compact 4

Mixing Desk and two 1300_ Shure MicrophonesMicrosoft Word was used to transcribe the recorded interviewWhen I was analysing the information obtained from the interviews, I took

note of the comments that were made concerning the learnability, memorability, effectiveness and efficiency and of each netbook

The advantages and disadvantages of each netbook that were mentioned by participants were also taken into consideration

Results [Intel Classmate]The learners in this user study felt that the Intel Classmate was the most

intuitive of the netbooksLearnability and Memorability: The participants found it easy to learn

how to use the Edubuntu interface installed on this netbook. They also did not struggle to remember what they had learnt about the computer

Efficiency: Participants completed their task at a much faster rate using this netbook. This was as a result of; An easy to use interface The faster speed of the netbook when compared to the other netbooks(this was

expected because the processor speed is triple that of the OLPC XO and almost double that of the Asus Eee.

The larger screen display made it easier to use and caused less strain on the eyes

Results [Intel Classmate]Effectiveness:

The carry handle makes it easy to carry around without a bagThe learners loved the webcamTeachers felt that the Intel Classmate was very useful during teachingHowever the absence of a VGA port limited its use in teaching because

it could not be used together with a projector for classroom presentations or demonstrations

Results [Asus Eee]Participants also found the Asus Eee suitable for secondary school

education Learnability and Memorability: Asus Eee and the Intel Classmate were

installed with identical Edubuntu netbook remix images and the participants again did not struggle using the interface

Efficiency: Though the speed of this netbook is slower than that of the Intel Classmate, it is

much faster than that of the OLPC XO hence the speed at which participants completed their task was not hampered.

The participants again felt that the interface was easy to use However, it was criticised for its small screen which caused eye strain for some

participants

Results [Asus Eee]Effectiveness:

It was usable for class presentations because of the presence of a VGA port

Its portable nature was highlighted as advantageous, making it easy to carry around.

However, it was criticised for the absence of a webcam

Results [OLPC XO]The OLPC had a poor reception from the participants due to a feeling that it

is intended for younger learners (this was expected because it was primarily targeted to small children)

Learnability and Memorability: Because the OLPC XO comes with a custom operation system and software, it was difficult for the participants to familiarise themselves with the unconventional operating system interface.

Efficiency: Participants had a bad interaction with the netbook due to; The low speed of the OLPC XO (this again was expected as the processor speed

of the OLPC XO is less than that of both the Asus Eee and the Intel Classmate) unconventional operating system interface the cursor that got “stuck”

Results [OLPC XO]Effectiveness:

The mesh network played a role in collaborative learning The carry handle makes it easy to carry It was felt by the participants that this netbook is rugged and can endure being

dropped.

ConclusionAt the end of the user study, participants were asked to highlight their

overall preference The participants in this study found the Intel Classmate to be the most

intuitive netbook for learners. One leaner said “The laptop is just great. It was love at first sight. It is

just beautiful and attractive. The features it has are just what you want to work with.”

One of the teachers commented saying “Umm, this Intel classmate, if you ask me to recommend it for students, it becomes number one.”

It would be a good idea for the SA DOE to invest in such devices for secondary school learners

ConclusionBoth the Asus Eee and the Intel Classmate were found suitable for teaching

purposes.Teachers should be given an opportunity to choose the most appropriate for

the task at hand. i.e. Asus Eee for class presentations It would not be a good idea to place the OLPC XO in secondary schools as

it seems to be inappropriate at that level One learner said “It is not really good enough for me honestly, it is a

little too like a kindergarten toy for a small child but I like it a lot.”The unconventional interface could also be challenging to primary school

children hence further investigation is needed

Thank you for your timeAny Questions?