Follow the leader.....

[catcherintherye]

With the literacy rate at such an abysmal level, how could the distribution of laptops be seen as anything but the PR scam that it is.

It doesn't matter how many computers are in circulation. If the majority of the population can't read or write then what good is access to the internet?

Technology alone is not going to solve the basic problem of illiteracy.

[London_Calling]

You are right #11 - even before we worry if they can interpret and use the information - you need to be able to read it first.

[pedrochemical]

Using the internet is a great way of learning to read, it seems.
As long as people have a grasp of the basics, the rest flows quickly.
(Especially if you want to read words like "Rhianna" and "Timberlake")

Seriously, I know somebody who just about got by with reading, used the internet for a couple of years - took no reading lessons - and now reads trashy novels for fun.
Progress indeed.

And they can also get round a PC these days as well.
I think that if you have enough electricity and internet access, laptops are great for kids.

[mountainannie]

I guess that no one actually took the time to read the link that I provided

This particular laptop project is not a computer project, it is an EDUCATION project, geared specifically to educating those in the developing world who have neither access to secure electricity nor a great many teachers. It was developed by a guy at MIT and has garnered the support of many top thinkers and educators around the world.

The idea is to leverage and assist the teachers that a nation has, by writing programs in open source software in many languages and making it easier for teachers to reach a great many students.... the fact that it is called a laptop is probably a hinderance to its development... it should have perhaps been called something else.. like an edesk..

One thing that is it NOT .. is a PR scam

why not take another look?

Planet OLPC

[pedrochemical]

Originally Posted by mountainannie

I guess that no one actually took the time to read the link that I provided

This particular laptop project is not a computer project, it is an EDUCATION project, geared specifically to educating those in the developing world who have neither access to secure electricity nor a great many teachers. It was developed by a guy at MIT and has garnered the support of many top thinkers and educators around the world.

The idea is to leverage and assist the teachers that a nation has, by writing programs in open source software in many languages and making it easier for teachers to reach a great many students.... the fact that it is called a laptop is probably a hinderance to its development... it should have perhaps been called something else.. like an edesk..

One thing that is it NOT .. is a PR scam

why not take another look?

Planet OLPC

I read most of it.I liked this bit best -

"Mission Statement: To create educational opportunities for the world's poorest children by providing each child with a rugged, low-cost, low-power, connected laptop with content and software designed for collaborative, joyful, self-empowered learning. When children have access to this type of tool they get engaged in their own education. They learn, share, create, and collaborate. They become connected to each other, to the world and to a brighter future."

The great thing about a connected "edesk" is that people can find their own way. Bumbling around online one finds some fascinating things to enrich one's life - like DR1, for example.

[catcherintherye]

I agree with much of what Pedro and Annie are saying, and the mission statement. My point remains, if someone cannot even write their own name, and the basics are not in place, then I doubt that by simply handing out laptops is going to change much.

In my opinion, there has to be a coordinated effort to eliminate illiteracy, not just providing the technology. Without that other pieces in place, many people will become frustrated and simply give up. They need some support, at least in the initial stages,

The initial support is what I see as the weak link in this project.

[frank recktenwald]

Do agree with you there as well with Pedro and Annie. My 4 year old received a kids laptop from a friend and my stepchildren are also using it and I must say they're improving. However to achieve progress they also have to change the culture here and encourage education which has to come from the home. Here you see kids in the barrios being encouraged to learn all the lyrics of the popular songs and do their "dirty" dancing to go along with it but the parents are not encouraging the kids to study.
Unless this changes the laptops won't do any good

Originally Posted by catcherintherye

I agree with much of what Pedro and Annie are saying, and the mission statement. My point remains, if someone cannot even write their own name, and the basics are not in place, then I doubt that by simply handing out laptops is going to change much.

In my opinion, there has to be a coordinated effort to eliminate illiteracy, not just providing the technology. Without that other pieces in place, many people will become frustrated and simply give up. They need some support, at least in the initial stages,

The initial support is what I see as the weak link in this project.

[catcherintherye]

Thank you, Frank for providing that example. I do think with the right support the project has great potential, but without some change in cultural attitudes, AND some basic support, especially for those with extremely low literacy skills, I'm afraid it will end up as just one more good idea that failed.

I think the initial support piece is crucial, particularly for those who learn differently. People with learning issues are especially prone to frustration and failure.

[andy_089]

It would not make sense as 50% of these laptops would be destroid after a few months.

[pedrochemical]

Originally Posted by andy_089

It would not make sense as 50% of these laptops would be destroid after a few months.

Do you mean here in D.R. or generally?