The One Laptop Per Child Association has been endeavoring to make their namesake vision a reality in the developing world (Philippines included) over the last couple of years. This, off the bat, seems to be a pretty good idea, but the project has raised the issue of the laptop's viability as a learning tool, as opposed to its inutility as something of a luxury.
While laudable, the project's goal is rather lofty, considering that significantly reduced costs would still add up to a lot of money if every kid in every developing country were to be given a laptop. Additionally, taking the laptop would mean foregoing something else, particularly books. Granting the laptop serves as a sufficient substitute for any necessary school supplies, social conditions are left unconsidered. Imagine a 9 year-old, shiny new laptop in hand, walking home from school through crime-ridden city streets. Hello pawnshop.
The project founder, Nicholas Negroponte, was quick to point out that it is an education project, not a laptop project. Still, one can't help but wonder if this really is what kids need when the fundamentals can't even be taught properly under our current educational system. Besides, we wouldn't want them getting into DOTA.
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