The current design of personal computers allows them to be used by single users only - single small screen, close distance while learning, providing an “isolated” experience. Teachers find it difficult to explain a point to the whole class on the small screen, making the PC inadequate for group learning, which is the typical classroom format

Further, given the cost of setting up a computer lab, to provide capacity for computer aided learning apart from computer learning, would imply high level of investments. Alternate technology platforms, which could meet the needs of a large class e.g. a large plasma TV, or an LCD projector, are either as expensive, or have limitations in their mobility and robustness

K -Yan as a tool for delivering technology-enabled education:

IL&FS ETS has developed a Compact Multimedia Centre christened ‘K-Yan’ -the vehicle of knowledge in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay. K-Yan combines the computing power of a computer with an appropriate high luminosity, high resolution, large screen projection system. IL&FS ETS has filed a patent application for K-Yan in India as well as the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application for patent protection, designating 123 PCT countries in the World.

The K-Yan is portable equipment, which converts any classroom into an Audio-Video (AV) Room by projecting large images onto a wall/ screen. This enables group learning in a classroom environment wherein topics taught in a contemporary manner are reinforced by media rich content.

Being portable, the K-Yan can easily be carried from class to class without the need for disassembling and re-assembling the equipment -This circumvents the need to moving the entire class to a specified AV Room / Comp uter Lab, thus leading to significant savings in time.

The key features of the device are

(I) K-Yan provides high speed processing capability, DVD/ VCD/ ACD/ MP3 capability with audio amplifier and built- in speakers, large data storage facility (120 GB) and internet connectivity coupled with a projection system capable of projecting images of upto 300inch - all of it in a single compact unit having a small footprint of approximately I sq. ft

(2) K-Yan provides high quality multimedia experience. This is enabled by
(a) Intel1 Pentium 4 CPU with a clock speed of 2.4 GHz with 1 MB L2 Cache Memory and 512 MB DDR SDRAM
(b) High End Combo Drive - The 52x CD Drive with CD writing capability provides a data transfer rate of 7800 KB/ Sec and the 16x DVD provides a data transfer rate of 21600KB/ Sec. This ensures high access speeds
(c) Projection system with high luminosity of 1800 lumens and 800x600 SVGA resolution which ensures output clarity and visibility even in an open room during daytime

(3) K-Yan has four Hi-Speed USB 2.0 ports, which facilitate connectivity to Local Area Network (LAN), printer, scanner etc.

(4) The on-board l0/100-Mbps Ethernet LAN connectivity enables K-Yan to be connected to PCs

(5) K-Yan has been optimally designed for high-speed performance to facilitate use of heavy applications including multi- media content.
(a) K-Yan has the Ultra ATAlOO/66, which enables fast IDE interface for transfers to the storage device
(b) K-Yan has a high speed (7200 rounds per minute) Hard Disk Drive (HDD), which facilitates faster access and retrieval of data - ideal for streaming video and audio. Software program load faster using the virtual memory of the 7200-RPM HDD
(c) The Intel Rapid BIOS Boot enables fast system access

(6) K-Yan has been designed with in-built versatility to cater to future requirements / upgrades. It has three PCI expansion slots for custom system configurations and future add-in card upgrades. Two DDR SDRAM DIMM sockets can support expansion up to 2 GB of double-data-rate SDRAM
memory

(7) K-Yan is loaded with “Norton Internet Security”, which provides protection against viruses and hackers through “Norton Antivirus” and “Norton Personal Firewall”. The Software includes a 90-day subscription for protection and updates. K-Yan users can purchase annual subscription thereafter to obtain up to date virus protection information.

(8) Additionally, “Norton Privacy Control” helps prevent personal and confidential information from being retrieved by unauthorized persons. “Norton Parental Control” provides different Internet privileges so that web access can be customized based on user customized filters easily allow the blocking of objectionable content and unacceptable web sites. “Norton Spain Alert” and “Enhanced Ad blocking” provides a better web browsing experience.

(9) Other Application software loaded include Windows XP Professional, Adobe Acrobat Reader, Shockwave, Flash, QuickTime, RealOne Player, Nero 5 Burning ROM, Cyber Link Power DVD

(10) K-Yan comes with a 1-year limited warranty covering all costs of labour and hardware parts / software except for certain exclusions like consumable items

We strongly recommend that either a stabilizer or a UPS be installed in areas where Voltage is not available within the Warranty range of 200-240 Volts AC. If the stabilizer or UPS is not used, there could be failure of sensitive electronic components. Any damage/loss because of power fluctuations will not be covered under Warranty

Apart from the recommended use of UPS/ stabilizer, the K-Yan usage should be in line with its operating specifications, which include temperature and humidity limitations

(11) Operating K-Yan requires no prior hardware/ software knowledge given the fact that KYan is an integrated unit -with no inter connection cords. Operator training time is reduced to a few hours

Leveraging K-Yan in the Classroom:

The capability of the K-Yan can be leveraged in a classroom setting in the following manner:

(1) K-Yan can be used as a very large screen computer cum television - to enable delivery of interactive multimedia educational content. The cable connection can be plugged into the system akin to a TV without the need for any external interface. This transforms the role of the teacher to that of a facilitator and encourages students to develop an innovative and curious mindset

(2) K-Yan can be used to surf and download appropriate material from the Internet

(3) The high storage capacity (120GB) enables multimedia content to be loaded on to the Hard disk, enabling easy access

(4) K-Yan also has a built-in CD writing facility, which can be used to share resources created locally; sharing of lessons plans among instructors, for instance

(5) K-Yan’s high performance processor can be leveraged to support multiple ‘dumb’ terminals in a ‘thin-client’ system. Thus with the use of appropriate software, K-Yan can function as a server - thereby reducing the cost of setting up PC-based learning centers for delivering learner centric education (IT skills
training)

(6) Using optional features like the web camera and microphones, K-Yan can be used as a collaborative learning tool with interaction across institutions without geographical limitations

(7) It can also be used as a computer for the effective administration of various technology enabling tools for improving administration processes including payrolls, fee management, records management, facilities management, timetabling etc

Leveraging K-Yan for Community Development:

The integrated nature of the device also makes it amenable for the following community centric applications

(1) Infotainment: The projection system provides the equivalence of a large flat screen television, which can be used for community centric infotainment activities, movies. TV etc. These in turn could provide local communities with additional income streams / cost savings

(2) Networking: Internet connectivity could support extension activities in agriculture, health and nutrition, and provide a e-comrnerce platform for rural produce. Access to the Internet would help rural communities subscribe to other national and international education networks, thereby broadening the horizons of learning

(3) Mobile Communications: Its portability makes it suitable as a mobile communication center for promotion and awareness programs

(4) Sharing: Video conferencing enabled by the web-camera and microphone will allow communities in distant parts of the State to exchange and discuss experiences and problems

(5) F-Governance: Linking the people with government functionaries and administrators through large size web conferencing would facilitate the administration in its public interface.