XO Laptop

What would the laptop "give" and what would it "take away" to this world?

As far as I could tell from the laptops they looked very kid friendly. They just had the features on there that you would need as a child. There were games and a program where you could write and a connection to google where you could search the web. I can see where people would jump all over this idea as a great way to bring technology and education to all the illiterate children of the world. It would give them access to learn so much more than they know already. It would teach them how to use a computer which is something we consider such a necessity in our culture today. It would also open their eyes to all that they have been missing. This could be good, they could make up for lost time, who knows what brilliant minds are there just waiting for the chance to explore. This could also be bad because they are so far behind. They would have a long way to go before even coming close to knowing all that we have here with technology. It would take away their innocence. It could take away family time. It could drive people apart. It would put a rift between generations.















Do you think the idea of one laptop per child is a good idea? What assumptions does it hold?

I am really torn about this issue. As an aspiring teacher I can see where something like this would be so useful in teaching in a classroom. Children would be learning essential computer skills; it would be easier to teach them a new language with pictures or words. They can explore and express themselves through pictures or drawings. It sounds so good and loose so good on paper but you also have to take into consideration what it will do to those countries. Just look at what technology has done to our country. It has made us all greedy and now we can never have enough. We think that they will all just be overjoyed to have this one little piece but who are we to say that they have to stop at that. What is they want newer and better technology when it comes out. We will be turning the whole world into the selfish and demanding country that we find ourselves in today.