First, let me say that I am NOT an engineer, but rather a program manager for a
non-profit urban technology program for teenagers in the US. So I preface all
of my statements with my own experience.
In reading about this laptop this morning, I trully say that I see the
vision. All the children in a country with laptops. The students in my
program would absolutely value these laptops. I realize my students have
opportunities and resources that are beyond many of the children of the world,
but I can tell you that as a frontline educator in the United States a laptop
for each student would be invaluable. Here in the US in schools I have worked
at there were a 1000 kids for 60 computers. Yes, all students had access and
they all took a computer class for one 9 week period, but did they come close
to learning computers like a child in a wealthy school district? Never.
Think about this- Do students who turn in typed homework that was research on
the internet get better grades then those that read books and write a report by
hand? Does the cycle of poverty then continue? The innovation might be
expensive, but the need is great.
My students can not take home the computers. They rush to get here
after-school and often stay until it is dark. They walk in the rain, snow,
and all types of weather, make their families wait to have dinner, and BEG for
more time to use the computers. We have family time when parents and siblings
come in and use the computers at the end of class. Competition to get into my
program is fierce and the waiting list is long. We do go beyond giving access
by training the students to be certified professionals, but it is the access
the computer that gets them here. If I could send computers home, I could cut
class time in half and give twice as many students the opportunity.
My feeling about all the naysayers is that it is better to be the cheerleader
of a great cause that fails then the naysayer of one that succeeds.
The cost of it seems to be a major issue. In the end, I think the project
could be paid for by the demand in the US. I know lots of middle class
Americans who want a laptop, but will not invest $700 dollars in one. But
$200. I think alot of people would pay that. So why not market the end
product in the US for $200 and every laptop purchased pays for a needy child to
get one?
Anyway, I'm not an academic or a computer genius, but I work with kids and
technology and would LOVE to see the $100 laptop dream become a reality.
Amy L. Kenyon
MIRACLES Program Coordinator
P: 614-298-4742 EX:267
F: 614-298-9107
1990 Jefferson Ave.
Columbus, Ohio 43211
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