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Laptops for schools in developing countries

Submitted by cyberjoe on 7 December, 2007 - 07:42.

I've just been reading about the idea to give one laptop to each child in schools in developing countires. I started off thinking that this was a very good idea but after reading this article I'm no longer sure.

Take a look at the article http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7094695.stm and see what you think?

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Neil Moretzsohn

In many areas of my country

Submitted on 17 December, 2007 - 10:29

In many areas of my country schoolbooks are in short supply. I think we need to get books for all students then we can start thinking about laptops!

Dave Willis

Laptops in schools

Submitted on 19 June, 2008 - 09:05

Obviously a very complex question with all kinds of issues to do with costing, servicing, teacher training etc. But in principle I am all in favour of laptops in school if they can be supplied for anything like $100.

Two points in favour:

$100 buys very little in the way of books. A laptop can be used to furnish teaching and learning material across the curriculum far more cheaply than books.
Children in dedveloped countries take www and internet for granted. It is becoming a more and more important part of the way they study and a more and more important part of the way we all work. Just think how often you turn to Google to answer a question which interests you. Children left out of this loop may become seriously disadvantaged.

Nik Peachey

Laptops in schools

Submitted on 20 June, 2008 - 19:48

I agree very much with what Dave says above. $100 won't actually buy you very many books, but if you can get access to the internet for $100 dollars then you are into the the biggest collective knowlege base the world has ever created! Many developing ountries invested in multimedia labs, only to find that they were kept under lock and key so nothing would get broken or stolen. Teachers weren't trained how to use them. Very often there is no technician to keep them in good repar. I think the only way to empower kids and bridge the digital divide is to put these tools into their hands. I'm actually due to be doing some training on these with teachers next week. I think this is really exciting, I just hope that the computers do get to the people they are intended for. Fingers crossed. Nik Peachey | Learning Technology Consultant, Writer, Trainer
http://nikpeachey.blogspot.com/ http://quickshout.blogspot.com/
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