When you pick up your Zune or iPod you’re probably ready to throw in some headphones or hook it up to your car to listen to your tunes or latest podcasts while you do something else. What a lot of people don’t realize is that a portable media device can also be a great teaching tool. Especially in places where you might not have access to a fast, reliable internet connection.
This is where One Media Player per Teacher (OMPT) steps in. The non-profit organization has a goal of providing 10 million media players to teachers in developing countries.
From the company’s website:
One Media Player per Teacher (OMPT) is equipping teachers in remote areas with the powerful technology of portable media players (PMPs). This allows village educators to give their students enhanced learning via recorded voices and lessons from the most proficient teachers in their nation.
PMPs can contain an entire year’s math curriculum on one player or vital training in health care, agriculture, sanitation and rural infrastructure. PMP learning can improve health, education and employment opportunities, even for people who are far from the internet.
Anytime an organization wants to help developing nations it’s a good thing. What’s even better is when companies support this effort with products they produce. This is exactly what Nextar has done by providing 101 of it’s 1GB MA715 portable media players to the organization.
From the press release:
The Nextar MA715 1GB portable media player’s many features include high quality audio playback of MP3 and WMA files, photo display in JPEG and BMP format, document and data storage and video playback (video conversion software included). It also includes an FM radio and the ability to record FM programs in WAV files. A specialized folder management system makes it easy for instructors to choose the folder or audio file desired. Content is viewed on a 1.5” 65K color CSTN LCD display.
A cost-effective, built-in rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery eliminates need for extra batteries, while providing up to 11 hours of continuous audio playback or 4 hours of continuous video playback when fully charged. It also includes a full-speed USB 2.0 interface. It is totally upgradeable to future formats and features with software downloaded off the Internet. It measures 3.0" x 1.65" x 0.6".
“We are delighted to help One Media Player per Teacher with this donation,” stated Eddy Zheng, Nextar founder. “Their mission to help educate the world’s poorest people through technology is truly altruistic. While portable media players are used strictly for entertainment purposes in developed countries, they have the potential to save lives, alleviate suffering, and improve the quality of life by educating and training scores of people in third-world countries.”
Nextar certainly isn’t the only company to do something like this, but it’s always nice to see companies doing something that helps.