FINAL WORD
Cisco telepresence connects Kenya and UAE school students
The students connected with each other through Cisco ’ s TelePresence video technology at the company ’ s offices in Dubai , UAE and Nairobi , Kenya . They were excited to interact with their cross-continent counterparts in real time through a vivid and true-to-life experience as if everyone was in the same location .
As part of its efforts to inspire youth to consider careers in technology , Cisco brought together students from Jebel Ali School in Dubai with their counterparts from Makini School in Nairobi , Kenya through Cisco Telepresence . The immersive digital experience provided more than 140 students an opportunity to engage live across continents to share insights into their daily lives while gaining first-hand access to the latest technology .
Students first engaged in an interactive learning session that explored the accelerated pace at which technology and the Internet of Things is changing our lives and the world . They were astonished to see and hear some of the unexpected things technology is connecting and enabling and the potential implications on the way we carry out daily tasks . Students then weighed in with their ideas on what they wished to see connected and how this would enrich their lives . A lively discussion ensued on the kind of innovations students would like to see implemented and why they selected specific ideas .
“ With more than 50 billion devices expected to be connected to the internet by 2020 , the Internet of Things is changing the world . All kinds of unexpected things are being connected , from toothbrushes to lightbulbs and basketballs to fridges , turning everyday items into much more useful devices ,” said Den Sullivan , Head of Software , Cisco EMEAR .
“ By hosting students that are continents apart in our offices for the day , our aim is to inspire eager young minds and illustrate the power of technology and connectivity . It is incredible to see the kind of ideas this generation is able to come up with once you spur their imagination and open their eyes to the possibilities .
It was exciting to hear how they view IoT from unconventional , fresh perspectives .”
The students connected with each other through Cisco ’ s TelePresence video technology at the company ’ s offices in Dubai , UAE and Nairobi , Kenya . They were excited to interact with their cross-continent counterparts in real time through a vivid and trueto-life experience as if everyone was in the same location . The students gave insightful overviews on what living in a vastly different country was like , including the different chores their typical day entails . This stimulated questions and a lively interaction in which some UAE students decided to show off their knowledge of Swahili and an impromptu recital of the wellknown Kenyan Jambo Bwana song took place .
“ Today ’ s session really left an impression on the students as it allowed them to share their experiences and culture with others thousands of miles away . It was like a school trip to Kenya , and then we are back by lunch !” said Jennifer Foote , Teacher at Jebel Ali School . “ The impact can be seen in the energy of the students , the quality of discussions that took place , and the different kind of information that they have retained from students their age about how life and communities truly are thousands of miles away .”
“ Technology is transforming our lives across so many domains and we as educators are constantly searching for new , impactful ways to inject inspiration into the curriculum . Cisco has been really supportive in helping us develop creative approaches to learning , particularly when it comes to getting students interested in technology ,” added Jennifer .
The activity is part of Cisco ’ s ongoing efforts to familiarise students and youth with the power and appeal of technology and to spur interest in them at a young age to consider careers in science , technology , engineering , and math and ICT . www . intelligentcio . com INTELLIGENTCIO
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