One Laptop Per Child (VIDEO)

The One Laptop per Child organization says they have shipped more than 500,000 connected, solar-capable laptops to kids in underdeveloped nations. They made a rather depressing yet moving video on their project:

Comments

[benne]

I'm not against this, but I need to say that what children need more is supportive parents and more capable teachers. Computers won't teach the children themselves, and if they're used as mere toys, they won't help with classwork as well. The dirty little secret no one wants to confront is that writing has gotten worse since middle class students have become computer-dependent. They too easily accept the briefest essays on the internet as a source rather than applying themselves to the text they are given. There's a veneer of information substituted for in-depth critical analysis.

[Sparty1]

I don't know if you really understand the gist of this program. These laptops are for poor children in third world countries, not here. These children may not be in a village with a classroom situation or a parent to help them with their studies. This is a wonderful program and the kids get a laptop that won't get destroyed by water or heat. If they are so fortunate as to be able to be in a classroom, they can access the internet and so forth. My husband and I did the 'donate a laptop/buy a laptop' last year and we were so happy to have been able to help. I think if anyone's able to help, they should. It's well worth it.

Now I agree with you wholeheartedly on the school situation here in America. It leaves so much to the imagination. Our kids are taught to a darn test instead of being taught to their abilities. I have a friend that's from the Ivory Coast. She says that they were doing our college work in high school.

[moodygirl]

I bought one and donated one as well and I hope that some of them will go to little girls as well as little boys. There are also some very good sites where you can sponsor a child's year-long education for less than $400.

[kidflash]

a child going forward into this century without knowing how to use computers and the Internet will be hopelessly behind in this world.

[djgonebad]

Plus, the $200 computer for the poor is thretend by the big computer companies.

"A Little Laptop With Big Ambitions- How a Computer for the Poor
Got Stomped by Tech Giantsow typical"- By STEVE STECKLOW and JAMES BANDLER

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB119586754115002717.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

F

[ramblingjohnny]

The spec look weak for the price you can get two more powerful eee pc.

[ladyv]

Umm, wtf is with that kiddie p0rn shot on the teaser page for this article?

[LeeCalif]

It illustrates what children endure in this world.

[ramblingjohnny]

You know the sad part asus and other OEM took the R&D and are making billions off the new netbook market.

[jcwtts1]

Gotta say, as a former inner city school teacher, how about one laptop per American child. Seriously. There should be enough money for both but the inner cities of America are dying slowly.

J

[hortonhearsawho2]

America....honest teach, my dog ate the p.c....just kidding

[Unitynow8]

one for one is for the whole world you can send a laptop to inner city schools in America too

[Omidal]

This ad sucks. OLPC organization could have put together a better one. No need to use the graphics materials to illustrate a good cause.

[LeeCalif]

Great video. THE TRUTH.

I bought one and donated one. (actually donated both since I don't need a laptop)

Such a terrific program. This year's laptop is even improved from last year.

Terrific company. Terrific job.

[djgonebad]

Just last week I looked up the site and the $200 little computer looks GREAT. It seems very useful for the art and communication needs for a any kid. It uses the Linux operating system and other nonproprietary, open-source software, which users are allowed to tinker with.

Hopefully the new Education Secretary uses Chicago's program as an example for a national program.

And really, $200 for one isn't a big deal. So why aren't more education system doing any thing about it? I mean, the country is stuck in this "TEST-TEST-TEST" rut , it cost millions and millions to do that. But $200!!! Only $200 a kid, out of the thousands a head, spent by bureaucratically heavy school boards.

Somethings not right. NO ART, MUSIC, or GYM and it's PAY-TO-PLAY. More students need help than ever before. That's why I regret quitting at an Detroit Edison Charter School; but, we taught for the test and I couldn't do it. It drove me crazy!! Unfortunatly, most school budgets get money based on test scores and head count, not actual results. All my teacher friends- HATE IT!!! But they do it.