My household has been fanatic about the One Laptop Per Child project since its debut in 2007. We purchased an XO for Alana when they were released and have since convinced a few other families to purchase one as well. The XO was initially billed as the $100 laptop which as going to revolutionize learning in the second and third worlds. In order to own one XO you had to donate another to a student in another country, it was dubbed the Get One Give One program.
I felt really good about purchasing two of the not quite $100 computers, as was required. I absolutely love the tiny laptop, which makes my daughter think and encourages her to explore its features. It is not an easy computer to learn to use for a person who has limited computer experience, but I committed to being a guide for my daughter. Slowly we have explored the games and programs and have managed to figure a few things out. One of the most challenging was learning how to make ballerinas dance across our screen. Amongst the simplest; how to make the XO speak and using the camera/video camera. I do not believe that you can still purchase the original XO anymore, which brings me to my point in all this.
The XO-3! OMG! Isn’t incredible! I can not wait to get one! I do hope they bring back the Get One Give One program! I am in for at least two for my girls and maybe one for me! I am drooling and excited for OLPC’s achievements toward their goals. I am very enthusiastic about this project.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
The concept is fantastic and there has been considerable success. Paraguay has promised one laptop for each student in their school system and Nigeria has committed to getting all of their students XOs by 2012. I am so encouraged by Negroponte’s efforts.
thanks for the heads up adiaha. i was following this when it first started up and then lost track of it. i have now signed up for their emails and look foreword to purchasing one for a local child and one for a child in another country. great concept. lets hope it really takes off.
How interesting. I had never heard of these. Thanks for sharing. Hau’oli Makahiki Hou to you and your family. I hope 2010 is wonderful for you all
Thom´s last blog ..Hau’oli Makahiki Hou, What Chocolate Dessert Are You?, Cowboy Boots, Goodbye Mom and Bambi & Thumper ….really do exist!