10X Learning at 0.1X cost : The Power of Community Microschools

Starting a community microschool with computers is often perceived as an expensive and complex endeavour. However, many of these perceived financial barriers are myths that can be debunked with practical solutions. By addressing these misconceptions, educators can see that launching a microschool is not only feasible but also sustainable. This article will explore the  common myths about the financial challenges of starting a community microschool using computers and provide solutions to overcome these obstacles.

Myth 1: High Initial Investment in Technology Infrastructure

Setting up a network and ensuring cybersecurity for a microschool is often thought to require substantial investment in routers, firewalls, and other components.
Solution: Start with a modest 150 sq. ft. space using basic PCs and a reliable internet connection, and gradually upgrade infrastructure as needed using free resources and open-source security tools.

Myth 2: Significant Upfront Cost for Computers and Devices 

Many believe that purchasing necessary computers for a microschool involves high upfront costs due to the latest technology.
Solution: Begin with basic educational PCs or second-hand devices, and gradually upgrade hardware with funds saved or through subsidized rates provided by Teach to Earn, including essential peripherals for enhanced learning.

Myth 3: Costly Software Licenses and Ongoing Fees

Educators often worry about expensive software licenses and subscription fees for educational tools.
Solution: Teach to Earn PCs come without software license fees, and you can use free educational resources like MagnetBrains and LearnOhub, along with open-source software, to avoid financial strain.

Myth 4: Ongoing Maintenance Costs

Concerns about regular updates, hardware maintenance, and technical support can seem overwhelming. Solution: Keep the setup simple and efficient with reliable hardware and a stable internet connection, and take advantage of the 3-year warranty provided by Teach to Earn to minimize maintenance costs.

Myth 5: High Costs for Teacher Training and Professional Development

Providing training for teachers is often viewed as an expensive necessity.
Solution: Use free or low-cost online training resources, encourage continuous learning, and leverage peer support to enhance teaching skills without incurring high expenses, while also enabling students to teach each other.

Myth 6: Expensive Learning Management Systems (LMS)

Implementing an LMS can be perceived as a costly requirement for managing educational content and tracking progress.
Solution: Choose free or open-source LMS options like Moodle to manage programs and resources effectively without significant costs.

Myth 7: High Utility Costs

Running computers can lead to high electricity bills, seen as a barrier to using technology.
Solution: Implement energy-efficient practices and power-saving settings on devices, and ensure they are turned off when not in use to keep utility costs under control.

Myth 8: Need for Specialized IT Staff

The need for specialized IT staff for maintenance is often seen as an additional financial burden.
Solution: Basic PC knowledge is sufficient for classroom management, and Teach to Earn provides a 3-year warranty, allowing updates over the air without needing trained IT staff.

Myth 9: High Costs of Classroom Furniture and Setup

Setting up classrooms with appropriate furniture is often viewed as costly.
Solution: Repurpose existing furniture or start with second-hand options, and use compact PCs from Teach to Earn to create a functional learning environment without large expenditures.

Myth 10: Ongoing Costs for Educational Resources and Materials

Regularly updating educational resources and materials can be financially draining.
Solution: Utilize free digital resources and encourage sharing among educators to keep material costs low, providing access to up-to-date information without significant expenses.

Starting a community microschool with computers doesn’t have to be daunting or prohibitively expensive. By busting these myths and implementing practical solutions, you can create an affordable and effective learning environment. Partner with Teach to Earn to get the guidance and support you need to start your own community microschool with computers. We are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us at contact.teactoearn@gmail.com to know more about how to start your own community microschool with computers by buying your PCs at a cost of Rs.10.000/ PC.