2023:Program/Submissions/Constructing low-cost offline Wiki-readers with e-waste through science communication: the OfflinePedia project. - EBQ839
Title: Constructing low-cost offline Wiki-readers with e-waste through science communication: the OfflinePedia project.
Speakers:
Joshua Salazar
null
Room:
Start time:
End time:
Type: Workshop
Track: Education
Submission state: submitted
Duration: 120 minutes
Do not record: false
Presentation language: en
Abstract & description[edit source]
Abstract[edit source]
Programmed obsolescence has generated a tremendous amount of e-waste with useful potential. We demonstrate the scalability and sustainable potential of a protocol for collecting, repurposing, and donating offline wiki-readers, OfflinePedia devices, to vulnerable populations. Science communication, technical training and soft-skills are taught to the populations trough university volunteers.
Description[edit source]
As of January 2022, almost 40% of the world's population lacks internet access [1], and in rural areas of developing countries, this figure can be as high as 80% [2]. This lack of internet access means that these communities cannot benefit from the vast knowledge database available on Wikipedia. The OfflinePedia project aims to provide a solution to this problem by creating low-cost offline wiki-readers, called OfflinePedia devices, that are installed in public access areas of the benefited communities.
Device Construction: The construction of OfflinePedia devices involves the reuse of electronic components such as old TV screens, along with free hardware like Raspberry Pi and free software like Kiwix. These devices are loaded with offline content from Wikimedia (including Wikipedia, Wikibooks, Wiktionary, WikiTravel, etc.), universal literature books from the Gutenberg project, didactic science simulations from PhET, and programming platforms like Wolfram Mathematica, Python, Scratch, and all content available in Raspbian.
Protocol of Action: The OfflinePedia team has designed a solution and a protocol of action to visit rural communities, conduct science communication activities, motivate parents to take an interest in educating their children, and train local youth on how to replicate the project [3]. This approach ensures that the communities benefit not only from access to offline resources but also from the technical training and soft-skills taught by university volunteers.
Workshop Objective: The objective of this workshop is to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to replicate the Offlinepedia project in their own communities. Through hands-on training, participants will learn how to create and donate low-cost devices preloaded with the entire Wikipedia content, enabling rural communities without internet access to access valuable academic materials and reduce e-waste. By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to use Raspberry Pi, install the Raspbian operating system, compress the Wikipedia using Kiwix, and troubleshoot any issues.
Workshop Content: The workshop will be divided into four main parts:
-Introduction: Participants will be given a brief overview of the Offlinepedia project and the importance of bridging the digital divide in rural communities. This will be followed by a demonstration of the necessary devices and software required for creating Offlinepedia.
-Installation and Configuration: Participants will be guided through the installation and configuration process of Raspbian on Raspberry Pi. They will also learn how to install Kiwix and Wikipedia with .zim files, which can be loaded onto the device.
-Troubleshooting and Testing: After the devices are set up, participants will learn how to troubleshoot and fix any issues that may arise. They will also test the devices to ensure that they are functioning correctly and are ready to be donated.
-Conclusion: In the final part of the workshop, some highlights of the project trajectory over time will be discussed, and also some tips-and-tricks for the replication will be shared.
[1] "Number of Internet Users Worldwide from 2005 to 2021" - Statista (2022) https://www.statista.com/statistics/273018/number-of-internet-users-worldwide/
[2] "Internet Use in Low- and Middle-income Countries" - World Bank (2021) https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/digitaldevelopment/brief/internet-use-in-low-and-middle-income-countries
[3] Ecuador Wikimedians: The OfflinePedia project (2023) English: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedistas_de_Ecuador/OfflinePedia
Spanish: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Ecuador_Wikimedians/OfflinePedia
Further details[edit source]
Qn. How does your session relate to the event themes: Diversity, Collaboration Future?
It is strongly focused around improving digital divide of vulnerable populations in developing countries.
Qn. What is the experience level needed for the audience for your session?
Everyone can participate in this session
Qn. What is the most appropriate format for this session?
Onsite in Singapore
Remote online participation, livestreamed- Remote from a satellite event
- Hybrid with some participants in Singapore and others dialing in remotely
- Pre-recorded and available on demand
