$12 TV-Computers as an Ultra-Affordable Platform for Computer-Aided Education

James Lomas

Abstract

The Playpower Foundation (Playpower.org) is using a $12 computer as a platform for 8-bit learning games in order to improve educational access for millions of children around the world. Motivated by the availability of this radically affordable platform, our goal is to design and discover high-quality 8-bit learning games and make computer-aided learning affordable for people everywhere.

This paper outlines the general relevance of Computer-Aided Learning (CAL) to developing countries, sketches the historical background of our proposed platform, and proposes principles and methods to guide the future development of effective 8-bit content. We conclude by framing this project and its relevance in the context of a variety of contemporary cultural trends and research topics.