One laptop per child in Uruguay

rpm said:
One laptop per child

Every schoolchild in Uruguay is set to have a state-funded laptop computer by the end of this month.
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"So much money is being spent on the laptops although people know that the toilets, the classroos and the roofs of many schools need improvements," he told the daily El Pais.
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I think it's better spent on basic health and hygene... perhaps a well equipped lab at each school is better use. Even here, many of the school computer labs are booked up and kids need to wait ages to get to use a PC. Bigger labs... handing out one machine per kid is going to be a challenge to maintain.
 
hrm.. but you also have to look at type of notebook/laptop provided. If the school is providing textbooks, notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, slides, printed notes.. that all ads up. I doubt as much as those items for a singular year but over 5 years if the equipment is robust? And then you also have to look at the 'other' positives coming from this such as higher computer literacy being enforced such that people aren't left out because they can't afford it. I just hope they set these with tight restrictions on browsers and such that if stolen its useless.

Health & hygiene undoubtedly more important too and should be addressed.
 
krycor said:
hrm.. but you also have to look at type of notebook/laptop provided. If the school is providing textbooks, notebooks, pens, pencils, erasers, slides, printed notes.. that all ads up. I doubt as much as those items for a singular year but over 5 years if the equipment is robust? And then you also have to look at the 'other' positives coming from this such as higher computer literacy being enforced such that people aren't left out because they can't afford it. I just hope they set these with tight restrictions on browsers and such that if stolen its useless.

Health & hygiene undoubtedly more important too and should be addressed.
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You mean to say that they are able to mnf a robust laptop cost effectively? It's not even possible at the mid to high range market. You mention 5 years, I think thats a bit optimistic. Who will maintain these things when they stop working (not even talking about spills and other damage). Nice contract, but not sustainable IMO. Of course their success/failure will be a great benchmark - at least someone is trying I guess. I wouldn't want to be the first...
Would this work in SA? Or would these things have too much resale value...
 
Great for the development of the 'littlies' but I agree that basics must be addressed before trying to go large. Nice for the children, a bit sad for the country as a whole.
 
mbp said:
You mean to say that they are able to mnf a robust laptop cost effectively? It's not even possible at the mid to high range market. You mention 5 years, I think thats a bit optimistic. Who will maintain these things when they stop working (not even talking about spills and other damage). Nice contract, but not sustainable IMO. Of course their success/failure will be a great benchmark - at least someone is trying I guess. I wouldn't want to be the first...
Would this work in SA? Or would these things have too much resale value...
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Please familiarise with the product first. The design is ingenious!

These kids get a HUGE head start. It is one of the noblest projects out there.

...and if you think that it has little impact, have a look at the "Hole in The Wall" project and be awestruck...

http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/india/thestory.html

Do not underestimate kids...
 
Also see this link for an example of how it can work.

Yes, sanitation and food are important. I can't argue with anyone about that. But I wonder if those are simply "sinks". Money goes in, and nothing really comes out.

Education, on the other hand, is an enabler. Education enables children (and their parents - see the link) to improve their situation. It enables them to grow food more optimally. It enables them to address their sanitation needs themselves, rather than having to wait for someone else to do it for them. And so on.

I'm still bullish on the OLPC. I think it has enormous potential.

FWIW, I bought one for my son as part of the Give one Get one program a couple of years ago.
 
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Dixie said:
Please familiarise with the product first. The design is ingenious!

These kids get a HUGE head start. It is one of the noblest projects out there.

...and if you think that it has little impact, have a look at the "Hole in The Wall" project and be awestruck...

http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/india/thestory.html

Do not underestimate kids...
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I know about the hole in the wall thing. The issue is not that kids won't learn, it's that the lappies will go walkies or need repair. Who's going to fund and do that? One per child - how many exactly are we talking about in SA?

And the crux of the matter - how are you going to stop someone from handing this contract out irregularly?
 
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Dixie said:
Please familiarise with the product first. The design is ingenious!

These kids get a HUGE head start. It is one of the noblest projects out there.

...and if you think that it has little impact, have a look at the "Hole in The Wall" project and be awestruck...

http://www.pbs.org/frontlineworld/stories/india/thestory.html

Do not underestimate kids...
Click to expand...

Very interesting article but the article is old(October 2002), would like to read a follow up of where those first kids are now, and whats been happening with the project.
 
I onder what happens if they "lose" their laptop for money
 
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