The “One Laptop per child” project is a huge undertaking. Visionary and futurist, Nicholas Negroponte is spearheading the program. The project aims to provide laptops for needy children in impoverished nations. The laptops cost $100-$200 and have been modified to withstand some of the conditions in these impoverished nations. Negroponte has to truly be commended for taking on such a difficult task. Some of these needy children have never seen a computer or would never have free access to a laptop. This project aims to connect student to the internet and the “information highway,” and offers a tremendous educational opportunity.
I recently read an article from the Globe and Mail by Geoffrey York, entitled “Soweto student computer program founders on power shortage.” This article highlights the difficulties of the “One Laptop per Child” project. There are many challenges, such as power outages, and internet connections, resulting in many of the laptops not being used. In addition, many of these nations appear to have social and political issues, which create barriers and hinder the progress of the program. York’s article points out that according to Timothy Ogden, an editor for a web journal, that there is not much evidence to prove that the laptops actually improve outcomes. Check out York’s article from the Globe using the source link below.
The laptops open up the world of the internet to young children in impoverished nations. It probably won’t be long before marketer come on board, opening up the world of commercial promotions. This is another opportunity to market to children. However, as most of these children are poor and don’t have very much money, it will be difficult to market products. Most of these kids are facing complicated issues, such as basic needs. It is important to note that this project aims to connect children and engage them. Some students use the computer for educational purposes, while some use it to play video games. It will be interesting to see how this project develops.
