Africa's Development

There is an article today in the NY Times (click title link above), covering the One Laptop Per Child Project.

The goal of the non-profit is to change the third world by providing technology at an affordable rate, and to put the necessary tools directly into the hands of the people who need it most - the people of the 3rd World.

There is not hard drive, no Microsoft OS, and a tiny screen. Detractors of the campaign are scoffing at the project, saying that these resources would be better put in the hands of teachers and more formalized instruction.

According to the Times, Bill Gates is even on record as questioning the principles of the project:

"And Bill Gates, Microsoft’s chairman and a leading philanthropist for the third world, has questioned whether the concept is “just taking what we do in the rich world” and assuming that that is something good for the developing world, too."

Speaking as a member of the "rich world," I cannot think of anything that would be better for the educational development of children than having access to a laptop and the internet. Having a laptop that you can use teaches a wealth of skills before you even hit the classroom - typing skills, search skills, and the responsibility that comes with taking care of something that you own.

Utilized in the classroom, it will give the resources of the world to students who may not be able to imagine a life beyond where they live. While education is important, I think it is folly to underestimate the impact of technology on the lives of students. How many bored students have created web pages, video games, and companies in their spare time, just fooling around on the tools they already have? The avenues of commerce and international trade are opened. You can correspond with people all over the globe. You can learn a language, a trade, a program, a skill - all using the internet, without the aid of a classroom.

With the internet, our favorite online library, one can get an education without formal instruction.

Personally, I am excited about the project. The potential for change is great - and at $150 a pop, what do we have to lose?