Sunbird’s microservices based infrastructure allows us to imagine each microservices as lego blocks that can be used to rapidly build or rewire solutions to suit diverse context and needs. There are hundreds of microservices exposed via API’s that provide both generalised and micro functionalities. We believe building solutions using Sunbird is just a question of imagination.

This idea has been the basis for the annual developer hackathon hosted by the EkStep Foundation. 

Hundreds of developers are invited to imagine and innovate solutions using the Sunbird infrastructure. This week-long event ends with a showcase to the stalwarts of the tech industry. 

DevCon 2020 had a mind bending display of solution ideas for contexts ranging from water quality, to adaptive learning paths to VR experiences in classrooms. 

Here are some of the innovative solutions that were showcased this year:

1. Water quality monitoring in schools:

Solution : By installing a small, low-cost Internet of Things (IOT) device in every school, administrators can check and monitor the quality of water across schools in India. The local bodies can then take focussed remedial measures for any school that falls below the specified water hygiene level. The power of this data is enhanced when it is coupled with existing Sunbird infrastructure, specifically the data dashboards. 

Microservices used : Druid APIs, Telemetry API, Configurable reports framework

2. Democratisation virtual reality creation

Solution : Bringing VR experiences and technology into our classrooms at a low cost and giving teachers the agency and ability to create content that helps students learn better through immersive experiences. The hackathon team leveraged the Google Cardboard feature, to create a low cost VR experience using any smartphone. 

This device, coupled with a simple and intuitive creation language paves the way for anyone to create VR content and bring VR tech into the classroom.

Microservices used : Content Model API, OpenSABER, Telemetry API

3. Real time monitoring of a school

Solution : Principals and teachers can manage and monitor activities through real-time integrated dashboards that showcase day to day metrics - attendance (student and teacher), assessments, class time-tables linked to relevant QR coded textbooks, teaching content to help teachers formulate lesson plans.

Microservices used : Druid APIs, Telemetry API, Configurable reports framework

4. Raspberry Pi based classroom

Solution : Digital classrooms open up a world of resources to both teachers and students and give agency to teachers to create powerful immersive classroom experiences. It’s a known fact that students are more engaged in a smart class. However, smart classes are expensive to set up and maintain. They also require additional space. Availability of a steady Internet connection is also a problem in many areas.

The hackathon team developed a solution using a Raspberry Pi device. This device is small, affordable, simple to use and maintain. It emits a local WiFi signal, can be loaded with content and can connect to a projector, keyboard and mouse. Using this, teachers can turn the classroom into a digital classroom even while being completely offline.

Microservices : OpenRAP services, Telemetry API, Content services