Illustration: late afternoon at a rural secondary school in western Uganda. A signal mast on the hill has lost its connection: a sign shows the signal bars dropping and a red cross. Inside a classroom, seen through a cut-away wall, three learners keep working on laptops while their teacher explains. A small local EDGE box on a shelf keeps the classroom Wi-Fi running, so learning continues. Baraka is an illustrative learner, not a real person.Soil and waterLocal EDGE
Projects: EDGE specification

EDGE

Learning continues, even when the internet doesn’t.

EDGE is an offline-capable digital learning layer. It is designed to give local access to compatible learning resources and services when the internet is unavailable or unreliable.

Internet: offlineLearning continues on the local EDGE

Design specification. This page describes what EDGE is designed to do. It does not describe equipment installed at Spectrum or anywhere else.

Illustration. The school, the learners and the equipment are drawn to explain the idea.

Part 1 of 5

What EDGE does

Six capabilities. Each card shows what works offline, what needs the internet and what needs specific hardware.

How to read the labels

Works offlineNeeds internetNeeds specific hardware

Local Learning Resources

Works offline

Approved lessons, documents and reference content stored on the local server open without the internet.

Technical detailView details

Only what has been chosen, downloaded, stored and set up in advance is available offline. Resources are copied while a connection is available, or brought in by hand.

Local Network Access

Works offline

Supported laptops and tablets join the local Wi-Fi and reach compatible applications on the server.

Technical detailView details

The local learning environment opens in a web browser. Learner, staff and management networks are kept separate, with content filtering.

Offline AI

Works offlineNeeds specific hardware

Compatible AI models can run locally where suitable software and hardware are available.

Technical detailView details

Local AI depends on model compatibility, processing power, memory, storage and energy. In JEP its role is narrow and supervised: it helps a learner frame questions and gives feedback on a draft, never assessed work. Use is phased by class. Internet and AI access by class

Online Services

Needs internet

Internet-dependent services, such as web research, advanced AI and remote mentors, are used only when a connection is available.

Technical detailView details

Online services stop when the connection is lost. Web access follows the class rules: supervised, filtered and logged, with no learner personal data sent to online tools or public AI.

Synchronization

Needs internet

When connectivity returns, approved content and permitted data are exchanged with the wider network.

Technical detailView details

Sync follows rules set in advance: what goes up, what comes down, and when. It sends changes only, in priority order: assessment records, then portfolios, then content updates. A disconnected node cannot reach remote systems until a connection returns.

Management and Security

Works offlineNeeds internet

Accounts, permissions, maintenance and resource management are applied locally; remote updates need a connection.

Technical detailView details

Encryption at rest, role-based access and audit logs work on the local server. Security updates, remote monitoring and cloud backup run when the node is online. Security and data in the specification

Operating modes

EDGE is designed to work in three conditions. Core learning continues in all three.

Internet available

Full use: local resources, online services, updates and syncing.

Internet slow

Local resources first. Syncing waits, or runs in small amounts outside lessons.

Internet unavailable

Core learning continues on the local network. Online services pause until a connection returns.

JEP defines how learning happens. EDGE helps make the necessary digital resources and services available, even when connectivity is limited. EDGE is the offline layer of the Hybrid Edge JEP Studio, not the curriculum, the teacher or the purpose. The Studio provides the tools; JEP gives learners a reason to use them.

Part 2 of 5

EDGE technical specifications

The design values in SXLA’s technical documents. Where a value is not yet set, it says so.

Computing hardware and storage
Edge server for a school node, proposed minimum: 8-core processor, 32 GB memory, two 2 TB solid-state drives, mirrored, in a dust-protected enclosure. For a full Studio node: 12 to 16-core processor, 64 GB memory, two 4 TB drives, mirrored, plus a backup disk.
Operating system and software
An open-source, offline learning stack. Operating system: To be determined based on requirements. Learning platform: To be determined based on requirements.
Local networking and Wi-Fi
Router and firewall, a managed switch with power over Ethernet, and Wi-Fi 6 access points. Content filtering, and separate networks for learners, staff and management.
Supported client devices
Laptops or computers with at least 4 GB memory (8 GB preferred), solid-state storage, Wi-Fi 5 or better and a current web browser.
Learning resources and applications
Offline learning platform with JEP units for S1 to S4, a digital library (reference material, textbooks and video), file storage and portfolios, assessment records and local accounts.
AI models and inference
A small local model running on the processor, used by one group at a time, in a narrow, supervised tutoring role. A graphics card or separate AI server is an optional module for larger models. Model: To be determined based on requirements.
Power
Solar and battery backup for critical loads: edge server, network and internet gateway. Proposed for a school node: about 1 kWp of panels, about 5 kWh of lithium iron phosphate battery and a 1.5 kVA inverter or UPS, sized after a site assessment. Laptops charge from the school supply.
Internet connectivity and synchronization
Satellite internet gateway with a mobile-data backup, bandwidth caps and scheduled sync: changes only, nightly, in priority order. Large video updates run outside school hours. Speeds: To be determined based on requirements.
Security, permissions and data
Encryption at rest, role-based access, audit logs, minimal data collection and pseudonymised data in any report. Encrypted cloud backup when online. Learner personal data stays on the local server by default and never goes into public AI tools, in line with Uganda’s Data Protection and Privacy Act 2019.
Maintenance and updates
Remote monitoring, security updates and patching by the technical partner. A trained ICT focal person at the school gives first-line support. Configuration records and written procedures let the same node be set up again.

Proposed minimums and design estimates from SXLA’s Digital Plan and edge specification (October 2026), validated by a site assessment. No vendor, speed, capacity, uptime or user limit is claimed.

Where a node can run

Illustration. School-based EDGE: a classroom or JEP Studio with a compact computer, local storage and a router on a shelf, a Wi-Fi access point on the wall and laptops on a table. Solar panels on the roof and a battery are drawn with dashed outlines: an option where electricity is unreliable.

School-based node

Serves classrooms, a library, a computer laboratory or a JEP Studio.

Illustration. Portable EDGE: an open transport case holding a compact computer, storage and a router, a Wi-Fi access point on a small stand, and laptops and a tablet on a table under a tree. A folding solar panel and a battery are drawn with dashed outlines, as options.

Portable node

Carries the server, Wi-Fi and power to schools without their own. The JEP Mobile Kit

Illustration. Shared or satellite node: a community learning centre with a compact computer and storage on a shelf, a Wi-Fi access point and a laptop and tablet. A satellite dish on the roof and a dashed line link it to the Hub/Edge when a connection is available. A battery is drawn with a dashed outline, as an option.

Shared node

Serves a community learning centre or partner, and connects to the Hub/Edge when it can.

Part 3 of 5

SXLA Central Hub/Edge and connected nodes

The Hub/Edge coordinates the network according to its configuration. Each node serves its own learners, online or not.

  1. SXLA Central Hub/Edgeapproved content, updates and network reports
  2. Connected school and partner nodesa local EDGE at each site
  3. Local devices and learnerson the node’s own Wi-Fi
Show the network when the internet is:

Internet unavailable. Each node keeps serving its local learners with what is stored on its own EDGE. Links are marked offline. Nothing is synced until a connection returns.

Internet available. Configured nodes sync approved content, updates and permitted data with the SXLA Central Hub/Edge, following the sync rules. Local learning carries on as before.

Network diagram. The SXLA Central Hub/Edge sits at the centre. Around it are five kinds of node, each with its own local EDGE box and local learners with laptops: a school with a JEP Studio; other participating schools; community learning centres; authorised partners; and regional nodes as the network grows. The diagram shows the network as designed, not a network in operation. A green tick at each node shows that local learning continues.SXLA CentralHub/EdgeSchool with aJEP StudioSchool nodeOther participatingschoolsPartner school nodeCommunity learningcentresCommunity nodeAuthorisedpartnersPartner nodeRegional nodes,as the network growsRegional nodeofflinesyncing approvedcontentofflinesyncing approvedcontentofflinesyncing approvedcontentofflinesyncing approvedcontentofflinesyncing approvedcontentNetwork diagram. The SXLA Central Hub/Edge sits at the centre. Around it are five kinds of node, each with its own local EDGE box and local learners with laptops: a school with a JEP Studio; other participating schools; community learning centres; authorised partners; and regional nodes as the network grows. The diagram shows the network as designed, not a network in operation. A green tick at each node shows that local learning continues.SXLA CentralHub/EdgeSchool with aJEP StudioSchool nodeOther participatingschoolsPartner school nodeCommunity learningcentresCommunity nodeAuthorisedpartnersPartner nodeRegional nodes,as the network growsRegional nodeofflinesyncing approvedcontentofflinesyncing approvedcontentofflinesyncing approvedcontentofflinesyncing approvedcontentofflinesyncing approvedcontent

Tick at a node: local learning continuesDashed line and “offline”: no connection, nothing syncedSolid line and “syncing approved content”: connected and syncing

A node is not automatically connected

A disconnected node keeps serving its learners but cannot reach remote systems. Syncing, remote administration and exchange between nodes need a suitable connection, compatible software and an authorised configuration.

Funders and partnersIs this network operating?

No. This section shows the network as designed. In SXLA’s documents the Central Hub/Edge sits at Spectrum Secondary School, holds the approved content, receives pseudonymised summaries only, and leaves each school in control of its own learner records. No edge server, local AI, satellite link or central Hub is installed or operating.

Part 4 of 5

JEP Mobile Kit: Learning Beyond the Computer Lab

A portable configuration that brings a complete JEP Studio to classrooms and learning spaces that have no computers, server or internet of their own.

What kind of kit is it?

A hybrid, in SXLA’s Hub-and-Box design (version 1.0, October 2026): a portable EDGE node with its own edge server and Wi-Fi, plus learners’ laptops. The school needs no EDGE node of its own; a Lite kit can use the school’s computer lab. The kit is a design specification; no kit is in use.

Works offlineNeeds specific hardwareSyncs at the hub
What is in the JEP mobile kitIllustration. An open rugged case labelled 360° JEP Studio, JEP Box, with nine parts drawn around it and linked to it by dashed lines. 1. Laptops: One per learner, plus one for the facilitator and one for the teacher, in padded, lockable cases. 2. Edge server and storage: The library in a box: lessons, the offline library, approved AI tools and learners’ portfolios. 3. Wi-Fi access points: The studio’s own network: laptops reach the server with no internet at the school. 4. Learning materials: Notebooks, maker materials and simple tools, with first aid and a fire extinguisher. 5. Batteries and inverter: On wheeled racks. Designed to carry a full afternoon of sessions if the grid fails. 6. Solar panels on stands: Recharge the batteries during long blackouts and on sunny days. 7. Portable satellite internet: Optional. Supervised web access for S3 and S4 only, filtered and logged by the server. 8. Cables and protection: Colour-coded plug-in cables, circuit breakers, surge protection and an earth spike. 9. Sensor and physical computing kit: Sensors and a small programmable board so learners can measure, test and build working prototypes. Exact sensors to be determined based on requirements. Equipment is drawn generically.1LaptopsOne per learner, plus one forthe facilitator and one for theteacher, in padded, lockablecases.2Edge server and storageThe library in a box: lessons,the offline library, approvedAI tools and learners’portfolios.3Wi-Fi access pointsThe studio’s own network:laptops reach the server withno internet at the school.4Learning materialsNotebooks, maker materials andsimple tools, with first aidand a fire extinguisher.5Batteries and inverterOn wheeled racks. Designed tocarry a full afternoon ofsessions if the grid fails.6Solar panels on standsRecharge the batteries duringlong blackouts and on sunnydays.7Portable satellite internetOptional. Supervised web accessfor S3 and S4 only, filteredand logged by the server.8Cables and protectionColour-coded plug-in cables,circuit breakers, surgeprotection and an earth spike.360° JEP StudioJEP BOXTHE JEP BOX AND ITS MODULES9Sensor and physical computing kitSensors and a small programmable board so learnerscan measure, test and build working prototypes.Design illustration. Equipment is drawn generically.Illustration. An open rugged case, the JEP Box, with nine numbered parts around it. The parts are listed below the picture.THE JEP MOBILE KIT360° JEP StudioJEP BOX123456789
  1. 1
    LaptopsOne per learner, plus one for the facilitator and one for the teacher, in padded, lockable cases.
  2. 2
    Edge server and storageThe library in a box: lessons, the offline library, approved AI tools and learners’ portfolios.
  3. 3
    Wi-Fi access pointsThe studio’s own network: laptops reach the server with no internet at the school.
  4. 4
    Learning materialsNotebooks, maker materials and simple tools, with first aid and a fire extinguisher.
  5. 5
    Batteries and inverterOn wheeled racks. Designed to carry a full afternoon of sessions if the grid fails.
  6. 6
    Solar panels on standsRecharge the batteries during long blackouts and on sunny days.
  7. 7
    Portable satellite internetOptional. Supervised web access for S3 and S4 only, filtered and logged by the server.
  8. 8
    Cables and protectionColour-coded plug-in cables, circuit breakers, surge protection and an earth spike.
  9. 9
    Sensor and physical computing kitSensors and a small programmable board so learners can measure, test and build working prototypes.
Illustration The JEP Box and its modules. Every part shown is listed in SXLA’s kit specification; equipment is drawn generically.

From arrival to sync

  1. Illustration. A small branded three-wheeled vehicle marked 360° JEP Studio arrives at a partner school, carrying the kit cases, a tent bag and a crate of learning materials. A teacher waves from the school door.

    Step 1

    Arrive

    The kit travels from the hub and reaches a partner school at lunchtime.

  2. Illustration. Two trained stewards set up the studio beside the school: a tent, a Wi-Fi access point on a tripod mast, a wheeled battery rack, and solar panels on ground stands. One steward carries a laptop case.

    Step 2

    Set up

    Two trained stewards set up tent, power, Wi-Fi and laptops in about one hour, then run a safety check.

  3. Illustration. In an ordinary classroom with a chalkboard, three learners work on the kit’s laptops at their desks while their teacher guides them. A sign shows that the internet is offline. The kit’s edge server on a stool glows and its Wi-Fi reaches every laptop.

    Step 3

    Learn

    The teacher leads. The kit serves the stages that need devices: offline research, digital tools and portfolios.

    Works offline
  4. Illustration. In the evening the vehicle is back at the hub school, which has a satellite dish and full signal bars. Dotted arrows link the kit’s edge server and SXLA records: updates come down, and portfolios go up, encrypted and kept separate by school.

    Step 4

    Pack and sync

    Packing takes about 45 minutes. At the hub, when connected, the server takes updates and uploads portfolios, encrypted and kept separate by school.

    Needs internet
Illustration. Two learners share a laptop. The screen shows the studio’s local library, served by the kit’s edge server, with a badge that reads Internet offline, local library available. Folders on the screen read Lessons, Library, Video and My portfolio.
Illustration Offline, still learning. Lessons and the library come from the kit’s server; the internet is not needed.
Illustration. A weekly circuit: the kit leaves the SXLA hub each morning in a small branded vehicle and visits one partner school a day, Monday to Thursday, returning to the hub each evening. At each school it sets up where there is space: a classroom, a computer lab, or a tent where there is no spare room.
Illustration One kit, many places. In the design, the kit visits one partner school a day, Monday to Thursday, and sets up in a classroom, a computer lab or its tent.

How the kit connects

How the kit connectsDiagram. Laptops connect to the studio Wi-Fi, which connects to the edge server: these three are inside the kit and work offline. Only when a connection is available, the edge server connects through an internet gateway to the SXLA Hub, which sends updates down and receives portfolios, encrypted.INSIDE THE KIT: WORKS OFFLINEONLY WHEN A CONNECTION IS AVAILABLELaptopsone per learnerStudio Wi-Fithe kit’s own networkEdge serverlessons, library, portfoliosInternet gatewaywhen availableSXLA Hubupdates down, portfolios upHow the kit connects. Laptops connect to the studio Wi-Fi, which connects to the edge server: these three are inside the kit and work offline. Only when a connection is available, the edge server connects through an internet gateway to the SXLA Hub, which sends updates down and receives portfolios, encrypted.INSIDE THE KIT: WORKS OFFLINEONLY WHEN A CONNECTIONIS AVAILABLELaptopsone per learnerStudio Wi-Fithe kit’s own networkEdge serverlessons, library, portfoliosInternet gatewaywhen availableSXLA Hubupdates down, portfolios up

The kit provides the tools. JEP gives learners a reason to use them.

The kit does not deliver JEP on its own: teachers run most of the cycle without devices. The kit enriches the programme; the school carries it.

Configurations

Illustration. Lite: no tent, uses a classroom or the school lab; 2 battery modules; 2 solar panels; server and Wi-Fi; 15 laptops or the school lab.

Lite

A school with a computer lab or a spare room

Space
No tent: uses a classroom
Battery
2 modules, 2.56 kWh
Solar
2 panels, 400 W
Server and Wi-Fi
Included
Laptops
15, or the school lab
Per session
15 learners
Illustration. Standard: a tent; 6 battery modules; 6 solar panels; server and Wi-Fi; 40 learner laptops and 2 for staff.

Standard

Most partner schools

Space
Tent, 9 m by 6 m
Battery
6 modules, 7.68 kWh
Solar
6 panels, 1,200 W
Server and Wi-Fi
Included
Laptops
40, plus 2 for staff
Per session
40 learners
Illustration. Advanced: a tent; 8 battery modules; 8 solar panels; server and Wi-Fi; 40 learner laptops and 2 for staff; ready for sites with no grid.

Advanced

Long blackouts most days, or no grid

Space
Tent, 9 m by 6 m
Battery
8 modules, 10.24 kWh
Solar
8 panels, 1,600 W
Server and Wi-Fi
Included
Laptops
40, plus 2 for staff
Per session
40 learners, ready for sites with no grid

Every size includes the sensor and physical computing kit, as set out in the kit specification; its contents are to be determined based on requirements.

Mobile Kit specifications

Intended use
One complete JEP Studio session at a partner school, in its afternoon project time: two sessions of up to 40 learners, one laptop each. In the design, one kit serves four partner schools on a weekly circuit from a hub.
Hardware and accessories
Six modules: power (battery modules and an inverter-charger on wheeled racks), solar (panels on ground stands), edge server and Wi-Fi, laptops in padded, lockable cases, a tent with furniture, and learning materials. Also cables and protection, a sensor and physical computing kit, an optional display and portable satellite internet.
Sensor and physical computing kit
Sensors and a small programmable board so learners can measure, test and build working prototypes. Exact sensors: To be determined based on requirements.
Supported devices
The kit’s own laptops: 40 for learners, one for the facilitator and one for the partner school teacher, each with 8 GB memory and 256 GB storage in the costing. A Lite kit can use a school’s computer lab; the method for loading content onto lab computers: To be determined based on requirements.
Offline and online capabilities
Offline: lessons, the offline library, approved AI tools at each class’s access level, and saving portfolio evidence. S1 and S2 sessions run offline. Online: supervised web access for S3 with teacher approval and consent, and for S4 after a readiness check. Partner schools need no internet of their own.
Power requirements
About 5.2 kWh per afternoon (design estimate). Grid first where it is on, batteries always carried, solar as back-up. The Standard kit stores about 6.1 kWh usable, enough for a full afternoon if the grid is off. Wiring is signed off by a qualified electrician or solar installer.
Local networking
Two Wi-Fi access points, one on a 2 to 3 m tripod mast and one on the tent frame, sharing the kit’s laptops on the studio’s own network.
Storage and software
Edge server with 64 GB memory, a graphics processor and about 1.25 TB of storage (250 GB built in, plus a 1 TB drive). A full video library needs a 2 TB drive instead. Offline learning platform: To be determined based on requirements.
Security and maintenance
The server filters and logs all web traffic. Portfolios are uploaded encrypted and kept separate by school. The kit returns to the hub every evening, with asset tags, a GPS tracker and insurance. Two trained stewards set up, maintain and log sessions, and one weekday is kept for maintenance.
Configurable options
Lite, Standard and Advanced, built from the same modules. The sensor and physical computing kit is included in the kit specification; contents to be determined based on requirements. Battery modules are added or removed in pairs.

Design estimates from the JEP Studio Hub-and-Box Model, version 1.0 (October 2026). Suppliers, a qualified installer and first use confirm them. No vendor is named.

Part 5 of 5

Requirements and limits

What offline learning depends on, in plain terms.

  • Only what is stored

    Offline availability depends on what has been downloaded, installed, stored and set up in advance.

  • Local AI needs the right hardware

    It depends on model compatibility, processing power, memory, storage and energy.

  • Online services stop offline

    Services that depend on the internet may become unavailable when the connection is lost.

  • Syncing needs a connection and set-up

    Synchronisation happens only when the required connection and configuration are in place.

  • Access and data must be managed

    User access, data protection, security updates and permissions need to be looked after, every term.

  • Every site is different

    Hardware and deployment needs vary by school and by use.

We make no claims about speed, capacity, uptime, cost savings or the number of users served. Figures on this page are design estimates from SXLA’s documents.

Help equip the Hybrid Edge JEP Studio

Support helps equip the Studio at Spectrum Secondary School, built to this specification.

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