I cannot think of a better example of the possible social implications from the expansion of online/distance learning than the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) organization. The aim of this organization is to give every child in developing countries a laptop, with the organization's aim of reaching 2 billion needy children who are often impoverished and don’t have access to education. The laptops are loaded with resources that will allow children to learn how to read and write, connect with the outside world through the Internet, and resources to connect with communities. As developing nations struggle to produce funds to even build schools and provide qualified teachers, giving children these laptops essentially gives then the connection and tools (many through Web 2.0 tools) to a brighter future.
“We believe the emerging world must leverage this resource by tapping into the children’s innate capacities to learn, share, and create on their own. Our answer to that challenge is the XO laptop, a children’s machine designed for “learning learning.” - OLPC
I am blown away by this organization and the ability to truly change the world. Children have the ability to really construct their knowledge and “learn how to learn”. I have lived in the world’s second poorest country in the world and I know how thirsty for knowledge children are. What this organization can possibly offer will empower peoples lives and as the OLPC website notes: “providing a means to an end—an end that sees children in even the most remote regions of the globe being given the opportunity to tap into their own potential, to be exposed to a whole world of ideas, and to contribute to a more productive and saner world community.”
Here is a Google TechTalk on One Laptop Per Child:
Check out an example of One Laptop Per Child in Peru.
The first thought that comes to mind is do we really want not only ourselves, but our children to be taught by computers and machines rather than by humans? I might have been watching a little too much terminator lately, but it really freaks me out that there is a possibility that there will be no need for us to leave our houses or have any contact with humans. Education is indeed moving more online and this could be only the beginning.
ReplyDeleteLucky children! Personal computers with internet is truly amazing, and I believe their lives will be changed. This is an interesting blog, but I just wanted to comment on the article. I think this would be pretty shocking if this goal were to be met-I feel that people in the United States would rather donate money support AIDS, or some kind of scientific research that would be beneficial to their country. Another topic that would be interesting in the future, if the goal is somewhat met, is how this would change the world's business environment. There would definitely be an increase in competition with the increase of technology in these parts of the world that the US is able to hire people for cheap labor. Once these cheap labor people begin to accept technology, they will no longer be in need of $2 a day jobs, causing trouble for the big production countries. Anyways, interesting blog!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, 2 billion laptops! While this is a great idea and if seen through would be amazing, but I have to think that there are bigger issues (in my eyes) than these children not having a computer. I feel that all of this money being spent (2 billion laptops is obviously costly) to solving other problems in the world. However, then again, the debate will always stand as to what is the biggest and most important problem to solve. Maybe at the end of the quarter if you could make another post regarding how this program is going and the updated stats on it...that would be great
ReplyDeleteYes, I think all of you raised some important questions. I just wanted to point out that the laptops are designed to teach kids that are living in developing/impoverished nations. Places where maybe the teacher has the equivalent of a 4th or 5th grade education. Then I can see a great benefit of providing a laptop that is designed to teach children how to read/write and perform basic math functions. I don't think it really would take away any face to face value, remember they are not living in a "high tech" environment such as the US. This is about helping developing nations improve literacy rates, which I am sure is the way they can create jobs and growing economy. If I had a lot of money I had to give away to help other societies, I personally would put that money into education for children. It improves their social conditions and gives them opportunities. On another note, I do think it is very important for peoples to preserve their culture. So who these laptops go to is an important question I am sure.
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