One Laptop Per Child is a project that has been in the making for 40 years. The concept involves a sophisticated, economical, durable laptop that can be placed in the hands of every child on earth.
The current laptop prototype:
- costs $100
- 366 Mhz processor
- built-in video camera/mic/speaker
- 1 megapixel swivel screen
- flash hard drive (no moving parts)
- game controllers
- wireless networking
- LED lights for the keyboard
- 3 USB 2.0 ports
- various language keyboard layouts
- when shut, it’s impervious to rain and dust
The philosophy behind it is that this will be a tool to allow creativity among the world’s underprivileged children (90% of all children) and provide an inexpensive and reliable education tool.
My feelings are mixed. Of course I think the technology and partnerships involved are stellar. The possibility of creating video, music, art and limitless access to literature and news is awesome. Computers are wonderful tools – I spend a good portion of my day in front of one. What concerns me is the innate learning that happens when we touch, write, taste, and work. It’s the same question as to whether we should give children calculators to learn math. Could we turning the rest of the world into N.America’s generation Y?
Got this from the Québecois eMagazine Le Studio 1.
I think a computer is like any tool…you use it for the purpose. It depends on how this tool is used will determine its value.
The flash hard drive is pretty neat. I’m surprised it isn’t done on mainstream computers….
What percentage of the world’s underprivileged children have access to a reliable electricity supply in order to charge this wonderful laptop’s battery? Or is it solar powered or crank powered?
Also, what percentage have the privilege of a regular diet or clean water? Shouldn’t these be our first priority?
Hey Zaak, it’s Landon.
I was wondering if you would mind if I used this blog entry as an example for a rhetoric project I’m working on. You have used a couple rhetorical devices in it.
Thanks,
Landon Mutch