These last days a working prototype of the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) initiative has been presented. I had in mind to write something about it since a long time for many reasons. First of all the idea is sexy: cheap computing hardware for everybody. It seem natural to subscribe to such a nice initiative. Secondly the project is born at MIT Media Lab, part of my previous life, and even more it is supported by Seymour Papert, one of my personal heroes.

However, the tone of the article I wanted to write is not hundred percent positive on the initiative for two reasons: first of all it seems to me that, like in many cases, we are proposing something for the underdeveloped countries without really talking with them. By this I want to highlight a lack of communication between the designers and the people this technology is supposed for. In this sense I agree with Temu Leinonen that there is a lack of cultural perspective.

The second point I wanted to raise is more at the content level. I have the feeling that we really lack of perspective on how technology can influence learning. Does providing a device to a child put him or her in the conditions of being in charge of his / her own development? I do not think so. (This goes in the same direction of this open letter)

I do not see the application for this laptop. At the moment is an empty box. Maybe colorful and with a nice design but still empty. So, can any of my layful readed explain me what’s inside of this box and how this something is going to answer the questions I raise in this little article?

Technorati Tags: 100$ laptop, flosse posse