In regards to the article, "One Laptop Per Child: Then What?", many issues were addressed. There were two sides featured within the article which gave the reader a chance to see both pros and cons of the laptop program. This program, which gives out free computers to children in third world countries in Africa mostly, aims to educate the children who are severly disadvantaged in our world. A noble cause yet is it technologically unequal?
I agree with many things in the article. I believe that every child should be given a chance to thrive and succeed. Yet, because of the way these children have been raised, socialized, and educated thus far, throwing an odd contraption into things and claiming that "this is your future, you must learn it" seems slightly arrogant of technology and doesn't take into consideration the long term affects of a child who will learn these skills in order to gain employment as an adult. The child will learn quickly, as many children do, and as the child matures into an adult, what jobs will be available for him or her? In a region devasted by so much economic decay, technology is a nice and cheery thought but it really means one of two things; the individual will realize that they have no where to use these skills and leave the country in search of applicable jobs elsewhere adding to the original economic decay of the country or the individual will have spent all this time trying to learn the ways of the computer only to realize that he or she really doesn't get it. These two examples i just named were mentioned in the article as happening in Peru. These are issues that are not only predicted, they are actively happening.
I also disagree with the fact that if the computer breaks or is in need of repair, the family has to pay for the repair. Many of these families simply cannot afford to fix them so the generous gift bestowed upon them becomes a piece of junk causing disappointment to those who created the computer and those who were destined to use it.
This article was significant because it addresses the huge divide between the "haves and have-nots", a age-long battle. Everyone should have equal access to technology yet because of the extreme divides between societies, cultures, and countries, that access is going to be harder to provide to everyone. This laptop initiative is a valiant attempt to "close the gap" but there are still major issues to address in order for it to work and unfortunetly, addressing issues costs money. All that one can hope is that this is a step in the right direction.
This article is directly relatable to me due to the fact that I am fortunate enough to be reasonably well educated in technology yet that is part of the problem. I know for a fact that there are 21 yr olds out there that have no idea how to use a computer, although they may not be in the U.S. That constant divide, which occurs in all genres of life, is what creates prejudice and misunderstandings among cultures. I believe that everyone needs to get on the same page yet the question is how? Chances are, technology is a good start but there needs to be some new developements in society as well.
2 comments:
Yeah, the digital divide is a huge problem, even in this country. It seems like this laptop initiative is a good idea in theory but hasn't been very well thought out. It's a case of trying to cure the symptoms instead of the cause. If this is a topic you are interested in, you may want to consider developing it for the annotated bibliography.
I agree with many things you said. The distribution of laptops to these developing countries seems like an easy fix for a much deeper problems. THe context of a laptop in a developed society, such as a country in the Western world, is significantly different from its context in a developing nation. The technological aspect of Western society extends beyond the screen of a laptop computer. I think the initiative is a positive solution to a problem but not the best solution. I think that before the nations are given a plethora of laptops simpler, more basic elements of education should be developed such as advancements in school buildings, furnishings and resources such as desks and teaching materials and better training or even pay for the teachings.
I understand the argument that computers save teachers and students from spending money on textbooks that will become outdated and resources that will run out but how can teachers help students who are unable to learn their lessons because an understanding of technology stands in the way. If a computer breaks how long will it take to get it fixed? Who will fix it? Is there a limit on how many computers each village or nation can receive? Would it not be easier for teachings to address issues with outdated books than potential technological problems?
I also agree with the comment that you made about how once the students become accustomed to this form of technology they make seek jobs in other nations or regions where the community is advanced enough to support that type of technology. This would then discourage job development and society development within the local region.
I think the OPLC project is a great idea but needs a little editing.
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