This is certainly not the case in all developing context schools — the wealthier countries tend to have small libraries in their urban schools, for e.g. But for many of the countries already involved in the OLPC, one would be hard-pressed to find anything remotely akin to a “library” or extra-curricular book resources in schools.

From an educational perspective, I’d think that the OLPC scheme would be useful as a way to get a library into these severely resource challenged schools rather than to replace texts. But that’s just my opinion. I continue to watch this project with great interest. Thanks for posting this; it’s most interesting redevelopment!

xo CG

Rochelle: I do entirely agree with you that, on some level, what they’re doing with their “laptop versus textbook” idea (creating ebook readers, essentially) is exactly what you say: “a way to get a library” to children who otherwise wouldn’t have one. I think the role librarians could take in this project could be huge, and to be honest it’s a bit disappointing to me that it is likely not my role (as an academic librarian). Though I still hope that I can take part in this project by making faculty aware of it and encouraging them to make the creation of ebooks etc. part of the coursework in classes where such a thing makes sense. In a case like this technology is only one part. The real resource is the resources themselves, and I think we (in Canada, in university communities, in research institutions with rich resources available to us) are in a position to take a real leadership role. For so long academia has been seen as out of touch with real world projects and issues, but I think a moment like this gives us an opportunity to give something back.

I had a long chat with Jason about this tonight. I feel that he’s in a good position to take part in this, better than I am. I mean, if it’s going to happen, if the resouces are there on the technical side (which they are), then it would be fantastic to complement them with something else on the pedagogical/training/implementation side as well.

When I was in the field, we had a library box program in our schools where we gave each school a metal box filled with books which were not on the curriculum. These books were largely child/youth and linguistically appropriate, but saddly we did not have nearly enough books. Publishing — especially in small language groups and long-term war torn countries — is a travesty. So in that context, I could see the point of the OLPC to bring more “extra-curricular” materials to these environments. But to replace the actual textbook? I’ll be interested to see how this all turns out.

Thanks Again,

xo xo CG

Rochelle: I don’t think I’m being too extreme by saying that the laptops are meant to replace textbooks, either. Here are some bits directly from my notes:

“Ministry of Education distributes the laptops like textbooks.” Laptop as a textbook.

100 dollar laptop: cheaper than textbooks (over 5 years). Buy laptops instead of textbooks. e-book readers.

I’m not sure they’re exactly trying to replace all books, but they’re noting that the resources available to students in classrooms are extremely poor. But it’s the textbook budget they’re targeting, not library budgets. So I think it would be misrepresenting the project to suggest that they’re seeking to replace books, but definitely not misrepresenting them to say they are seeking to replace textbooks in classrooms. So yeah.

Yes, there is some success in Cambodia. And yes, this could “kick start another area of the economy”. But many economies are moribund thanks to corrupt government, national trauma, draught, etc.. Why is technology supposed to be the cure-all and the Thing That Will Bring People Happiness and Wealth and Salvation?

I’m not saying that this is *your* position. But at many of the tech-oriented conferences I’ve attended, this is *their* position. It’s sort of a modern-day version of “give a man a fish… teach a man a fish…” and I’m not buying it (which, in many circles in which I travel, is heretical).

I think that giving the best of oneself is a wonderful idea, and I do try (wouldn’t be working with children otherwise). Why should asking questions about this idea, and suggesting that perhaps there are other things that these countries (and people) could use/do better not be in that vein?

Rochelle: I see what you mean. I also question the idea that technology is a cure-all, and I’m about to post some more on that topic. Mary Lou *is* optimistic, but she asked us to tell her where we felt she was being too optimistic, to tell her where we could see failure looming for the project. I don’t think they’re unwilling to hear this side, in fact, she seemed very encouraging of that conversation. She admitted that the project as a whole hadn’t spent enough time with the education side in the last few years. I guess I feel like, here are these people honestly trying to do what they can for the world, and rather than sit back and mock them for their ignorance on the ways of education, we could try and help. I, like you, don’t think laptops are a cure-all, but I do think there’s a point in there where some good could come of it. In some places. I’m about to post more about this, so I’d be curious on your take.

I’m sorry to hear that your opinion is considered heretical in some circles; I’ve heard a significant amount of criticism of the project here at the conference, but cautious optimism as well. Context is everything, I guess! I’m clearly not moving in the same circles you’ve frequented. I can’t imagine anyone grabbing onto this project without a little caution and criticism, so I think we’re just coming from different places in terms of reception.

The problem with the program is that it presupposes that there are schools, and that the people value education above, oh, say, eating and surviving. In a perfect world, the $100 laptop might be a good project. But let’s spend the $$$ on giving people a better chance at existing in a clean, safe, healthy environment before we shove technology down their throats.

Also, did they mention that MIT will only produce these puppies if there’s a large order (prepaid) from a government, NGO or corporate entity?

Rochelle: Yes, they did. I think actually your second criticism nullifies the first. The project isn’t shoving technology down anyone’s throats; it’s up to the country to make an investment in the project for it to happen. While the money might come from a corporate or otherwise private sponsor, it’s up for the government to agree or disagree to the project. And she did explain about the large orders; that’s so because these computers are not like yours, they work as a group. A single one of these laptops would be useless; they link to each other and bounce through each other to let computers farther from the access points to still get access to the internet. So the scale of each order is a part of the project. The countries who opt to do this also need to set up the access points.

As for whether they should put their efforts toward something else: I really hope you do the same. I personally support people offering the best of themselves to others, even if it seems a little unorthodox to you.