Student visionaries seek to help left-behind children
Updated: 2016-06-23 08:08
By Tang Yue(China Daily USA)
|
|||||||||
The internet of things may hold great benefits for left-behind children, one of China's most vulnerable groups.
If you haven't caught up with the concept yet, the internet of things refers to physical objects - devices, vehicles, buildings and other items - embedded with electronics, software, sensors, and network connectivity that enables the collection and exchange of data. Objects can be sensed and controlled remotely, for example.
But what has that got to do with left-behind children in China?
To explore the answers, 24 students from six different countries, many from technical disciplines, gathered in Shenzhen in May, to design prototype devices with the goal of improving the education of the more than 60 million children whose parents have gone to work in cities without them.
"Before I came to the event, I remember reading news that kids committed suicide when their parents were far away. It upset me," said 18-year-old Kadallah Burrowes from the United States.
"I am glad that I got this opportunity, trying to do something to make a difference. It is not just something fun; it has the potential to help a lot of people. Small and cheap, with some government help, we might be able to turn the devices into something that helps the kids," said Burrowes, who majors in interactive media arts at New York University Shanghai.
Burrowes and his teammates designed a mango-shaped device that allows parents, wherever they are, to set various tasks for their children. The children then go to their grandparents or teachers for verification once a goal is achieved. Using the device, parents can stay involved in the growth of their children, the team said.
"Usually, the parents and children only meet once or twice a year. So the bond is weakening over the years," said Xin Haiyang, a PhD candidate in information engineering at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen.
To tackle the problem, Xin's team designed a "bonding tree", decorated with some lights, which are connected to the family members' phones. The lights turn from green to yellow and even red when the parents and children haven't talked for a certain amount of time.
The next symposium focused on children's issues in China will be held in December and more than 100 students, scholars and entrepreneurs are expected to attend, according to Eliot Gattegno, a director at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen.
tangyue@chinadaily.com.cn
![Student visionaries seek to help left-behind children](../../attachement/jpg/site1/20160623/00221917e13e18d5741f30.jpg)
Participants discuss their creation at IoT Social Impact Symposium in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. Tang Yue / China Daily |
(China Daily USA 06/23/2016 page7)
- US Ambassador to China Baucus says he is a 'WeChat nut'
- Classes inspired by ancient arts offer moral teachings
- School's artificial grass found to be highly toxic
- Agency lists tiny hallway for sale: 1.5 million yuan
- Armed police mend gap in E China river defenses
- Over 90% Chinese netizens access news on mobile phones: report
- US urged not to rock the boat by flexing its muscles
- UK's EU referendum polls show 'Leave', 'Remain' tied up
- DPRK yet to confirm suspected missile launches
- Chinese panda expert concerned by sick panda in US
- British MPs pay tribute to murdered MP Jo Cox
- DPRK deploys Musudan ballistic missile in east coast
Rising above the clouds: Mist envelops Qingdao
In pictures: Countdown to Brexit referendum
Top 10 classic Walt Disney animated films
Top 10 overseas M&As of Chinese auto companies
Now and then: Famous venues of the Long March
Things you may not know about Summer Solstice
First lady visits Fryderyk Chopin Museum in Poland
Chinese factories score a goal with Euro 2016
Most Viewed
Editor's Picks
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
![]()
|
Today's Top News
Abe's blame game reveals his policies failing to get results
Ending wildlife trafficking must be policy priority in Asia
Effects of supply-side reform take time to be seen
Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi to meet Kerry
Chinese stocks surge on back of MSCI rumors
Liang avoids jail in shooting death
China's finance minister addresses ratings downgrade
Duke alumni visit Chinese Embassy
US Weekly
![]()
|
![]()
|