eduFire - Latest Comments in One Laptop Per Child: Why We Do What We Do

Re: One Laptop Per Child: Why We Do What We Do

lindsay — Fri, 03 Aug 2007 16:58:16 -0000

I am new to your site, but not the to the cause. What I fail to understand is how this technology is going to miraculously bridge any gap. We will be left with a generation of people who are great at solitaire and instant messaging and have no knowledge of how to solve a simple algebraic formula.

My favorite quote from the article is probably:

"You’re saying give them a laptop even if they don’t go to school?" Stahl asks.

"Especially if they don’t go to school. If they don’t go to school, this is school in a box."

While I agree that this is a revolutionary idea on some account I also believe that there is simply no substitute for a good teacher. Sorry, bots do not count in my book.

Re: One Laptop Per Child: Why We Do What We Do

Dave Trager — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 22:09:01 -0000

Patrick,

I too have been really impressed with the quality of computers you can get from dell for really reasonable prices. When my friend told me he needed a new pc, and asked how much it would cost to get a nice laptop-- I told him $800, only to find what he wanted only cost $499 from Dell. Incredible stuff.

Re: One Laptop Per Child: Why We Do What We Do

Dave Trager — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 22:07:18 -0000

I agree wholeheartedly with your confirming 'misty eyes' that edu rev is going to play a huge role in ending poverty on earth.

On another note, I do kinda wish *my* pc could be powered with a crank... ;)

Re: One Laptop Per Child: Why We Do What We Do

Patrick — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 20:46:54 -0000

Jon,

Can you imagine the drastic shift that would have to take place in terms of professional development? Inasmuch as the possibility for providing an end to not only the cycle you speak about in your post, but also cycles of that often accompany lives affected by economic hardship really excites me.

Also, did I hear today that Dell has come out with a $399 machine? Even that is within the reach of most districts within the U.S. and abroad.