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The Daily OrangeBy the end of February, 2,500 3rd world children will be computer-educated for only $100
One laptop per child program aims for global development through technology
By Sara Brainard
Posted: 2/19/07, 9:52 PM EST Section: Feature
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The OLPC, created by MIT professor Nicholas Negroponte in 2002, plans to provide the world's 1.8 billion third-world children with laptops that are specially made to cost $100 each. The governments of eight countries signed on thus far, and many more are considering participation in the project.
"Children will be able to learn by doing, not just through instruction," U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan said at the United Nations summit in Tunis, according to The New York Times. "They will be able to open up new fronts for their education, particularly peer-to-peer learning."
The laptops being constructed for the OLPC are called XOs. They have no hard drive and no Windows or Macintosh systems. Instead, they operate with Linux open-source software and include interactive educational programs, covering a wide range of academic areas. A shipment of 2,500 test laptops will be sent out to developing countries by the end of February.
The XO is built to be very durable, so it can last for five years or more with outdoor use in severe climates. In addition, the battery can be hand-powered by a pull string or pedal to accommodate children living without electricity.
Negroponte strongly emphasized the importance of learning methods being creative and interactive.
"One of the saddest but most common conditions in elementary school computer labs is that children are being trained to use Word, Excel and PowerPoint," he said in a press release. "I consider that criminal, because children should be making things, communicating, exploring, sharing, not running office automation tools."
Leaders of the OLPC program recently caused controversy with their claims at the United Nations summit that laptops are more important to education than teachers, schools, books and curriculum content.
Negroponte insists the laptops "fill many roles" and help children educate themselves. However, many educators and experts are criticizing this viewpoint, saying computers are not enough on their own.
"I'm skeptical that a computer would be a good substitute for a well-prepared and supportive classroom teacher," said Sharon Dotger, professor of science education at Syracuse University.
To participate in the program, a country would have to buy at least 1 million of the laptops, priced at $100 each. Many critics believe this money could be better spent on more pressing issues like food and medicine, as well as other educational resources like schools and teachers. Citing this argument, India, one of the initial supporters, backed out of the program in October.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
wayan
posted 2/20/07 @ 10:09 AM EST
Your article title is incorrect in two very important ways:
1. the 2,500 laptops headed out are testing machines - they will not be computer educating yet
2. (Continued…)
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