Small tech difference makes a big human impact

How RACHEL works

Anyone can purchase RACHEL from an online store run by its creator, World Possible, at https://worldpossible.org/rachel. But it’s not a money-making exercise: the site even includes instructions for building one’s own version of RACHEL.

When it is switched on, anyone with a Wi-Fi enabled device can look for “RACHEL” under the list of  Wi-Fi networks, connect to it, open a web browser and type the address listed on the device. This instantly gives access to offline versions of more than a hundred free educational websites, like Wikipedia and Khan Academy, without any data charges.

For those with Internet access, a full list of these resources can be browsed from anywhere at the Open Educational Resources website. Visit http://oer2go.org. It ranges from African stories to world maps.

World Possible points out another massive benefit of its device: “RACHEL can instantly turn a graveyard of unused computers into a learning center. For the 53% of people around the world without an internet connection, RACHEL is a valuable tool that connects offline learners to the best free educational resources. RACHEL is rugged, lightweight, and designed to travel anywhere. RACHEL is used by schools, libraries, community centers, orphanages, and the NGOs supporting them all over the world.”

Two sizes are now available: RACHEL-Plus and RACHEL-Pi. Both come pre-loaded with content from OER2Go and a router that connects to multiple devices.

RACHEL-Plus includes these features:

• 8-hour battery
• 500 gigabytes or 1 terabyte of storage
• Dual-core Intel processor with 4 gigabytes of RAM running a full server that can support 20-50 users at a time
• Dual-band wireless router to work with old and new devices with a range of 150 feet
• Dual ethernet
• 32-bit Ubuntu operating system
• Ability to upload your own content

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