Teacher in a Box
1. What is Teacher in a Box?
Teacher in a Box is a simple and inexpensive way of bringing the power of online learning to the offline
world.
Teacher in a Box is essentially a laptop computer which provides an interactive interface to the more
than 10,000 videos and tutorials of Khan Academy, a quality online learning resource that is used in
classrooms and homes throughout the world.
Computers for Learning Inc., a Rotary project operating from workshops in Brisbane, has partnered with
the Foundation for Learning Equality and developed Teacher in a Box to deliver this quality online
education to communities without the need to access to the internet. Teacher in a Box computers
come pre-loaded with the KA-Lite tutorials.
2. Where is it currently being used?
KA-Lite has already been installed in over 160 countries, reaching an estimated 2.1 million learners, in
contexts as varied as rural schools, orphanages, community centers, refugee camps, prisons, and homes.
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3. How can it be used???
In the classroom - By partnering the Teacher in a Box with a projector and speakers it can be used by
teachers to provide a complete lesson to a classroom. In cases where students have access to their own
computerised device. The teacher is then able to set up a “classroom” within the system and monitor
each individual student’s work.
Self-paced learning – Users can simply select the topics that interest them or they can use the
knowledge map that underpins the system to move them forward. For example, once a student is able
to successfully complete each math component, they are automatically guided to the next concept;
from primary level all the way to university level.
4. How Does It Work?
Teacher in a Box acts as a Server and a Browser and both at the same time. What do these terms mean?
a) Browser – It has the look and feel of accessing the educational files over the internet but it is all
offline and very fast. By connecting the Teacher in a Box laptop with a projector and speakers it can
be used by a teacher to provide a complete lesson to a classroom.
b) Server – The mini router that comes with the Teacher in a Box kit means that it can also be accessed
by any Wi-Fi enabled devices or a wired network for self-paced learning. A set of headphones will be
needed for each device.
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5. Frequently asked Questions
Q: What subjects and year levels does it cover?
A: A range of subjects are on offer but mainly Math, Science, Finance & computer programming.
Year levels range from basic primary through to university level
Q: What languages does it come in?
A: Khan Academy videos have also been translated into many of the world's most popular
languages. The platform can be set up in seven basic languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese,
French, Turkish, Norwegian, and Hindi. Voice dubbing and subtitles are being set up to support other
languages, as well. Each translation is released once it has been almost completed.
Bahasa Indonesian (Indonesian)
Bahasa Malaysian (Malay)
čeština (Czech)
dansk (Danish)
Deutch (German)
Espanol
Francais
isiXhosa (Xhosa)
isiZulu
italiano (Italian)
Kiswahili
Nederlands (Dutch)
Norsk bokmål (Norwegian)
polski (Polish)
português
português (Portugal)
Türkçe
Ελληνικά (Greek)
български (Bulgarian)
монгол (Mongolian)
русский (Russian)
Српски (Serbian)
українська (Ukrainian)
հայերեն (Armenian)
‫( עברית‬Hebrew)
‫( اردو‬Urdu)
‫( ال عرب ية‬Arabic)
‫( ف ار سی‬Persian)
বাাংলা (Bengali)
తెలుగు (Telugu)
ไทย (Thai)
中文 (简体中文, 中国) (Simplified
Chinese)
日本語 (Japanese)
Q: How many devices can Teacher in a Box support at the same time?
A: So far it has only been tested on 18 devices at the same time and this was on an earlier
Raspberry Pi version. It is estimated that the Teacher in a Box will support at least twice that number
of devices.
Q: How wide is the network range?
A: This will depend on the environment. The range of the earlier Raspberry Pi version with a
standard router/modem was more than 18 metres through a wall. It is expected that the new
Teacher in a Box version will be about the same.
Q: Can it be connected up to an existing wired network?
A: Yes.
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Q: What sort of projector is suitable?
A: Any projector with a VGA input. The new LED style projectors come in small sizes, are cheap and
easy to transport, use very little power and give a longer life. Our recommendation is that projectors
have a rating of at least 500 ANSI lumens (brightness) to be at all effective in a classroom. The
brighter the classroom’s natural environment, the higher the brightness rating of the projector needs
to be. Bigger is better!! It is best to test before purchase, if possible. And please do provide us with
feedback so that we can share it with others.
Q: What sort of speakers should I get?
A: Many projectors already come with built-in speakers otherwise any small external speakers
designed for a computer are suitable.
Q: What sort of Headphones should I get?
A: Any stereo headphones can be used. Check the headphone input of the devices to be used.
Usually a 3.5mm stereo jack is required.
Q: How long can Teacher in a Box operate without power?
A: Teacher in a Box is distributed on donated secondhand computers and so the life of the battery is
not something that we can guarantee. If power is expected to be an issue at the deployment site
then it would be best to test the battery life before deployment and invest in a new battery if
considered necessary.
Q: Do I need to have any specialised IT knowledge to deploy it?
A: No. Written instructions are provided and basic training can be arranged at our workshop in
Brisbane. All the hard work has been done for you.
Q: Does it work with Apple and Android products?
A: Yes, Teacher in a Box runs on any type of Wi-Fi device
Q: What about smart phones?
A: Yes, for the videos, but the small screen would make it difficult to do the exercises.
6. So…what’s next??
Khan Academy continues to add educational content and volunteers from all around the world continue
to translate the content into other languages
The Foundation for Learning Equality the organisation that produces the offline version, is developing a
new version of KA-Lite called Kolibri. This platform will include additional functionality based on
suggestions from people working in the field. Kolibri has been completely funded but the actual release
date is unknown as it is an open-source development. Computers 4 Learning is eagerly awaiting its
release.
7. How do I keep informed about the Teacher in a Box project??
Please visit our website at www.computers4learning.net.au for updates
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Disclaimers. All the information in Teacher in a Box is provided to you in good faith. While we strive to
provide only useful and ethical information we do not create the content ourselves nor do we make any
warranties about the completeness, reliability and accuracy of this information. We also have no control over
the content and nature of the information provided.
We should also remind you that Teacher in a Box is distributed on donated secondhand computers. We try
and ensure that it will give a long and reliable service by using only good quality computers, currently I5 and
above (if available), but we can offer no warranties or guarantees apart from some limited assistance.
Please be aware that any action you take upon the information contained in Teacher in a Box, or in the
operation of Teacher in a Box is strictly at your own risk. We can accept no liability for any losses and
damages in connection with its use, misuse or malfunction, however caused.
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