http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8309583.stm
QuoteUruguay has become the first country to provide a laptop for every child attending state primary school.
President Tabaré Vázquez presented the final XO model laptops to pupils at a school in Montevideo on 13 October.
Over the last two years 362,000 pupils and 18,000 teachers have been involved in the scheme.
The "Plan Ceibal" (Education Connect) project has allowed many families access to the world of computers and the internet for the first time.
Uruguay is part of the One Laptop Per Child scheme, an organisation set up by internet pioneer Nicholas Negroponte. His original vision was to provide laptops at $100 (£61) but they proved more expensive.
The Uruguay programme has cost the state $260 (£159) per child, including maintenance costs, equipment repairs, training for the teachers and internet connection.
The total figure represents less than 5% of the country's education budget.
Around 70% of the XO model laptops handed out by the government were given to children who did not have computers at home.
"This is not simply the handing out of laptops or an education programme. It is a programme which seeks to reduce the gap between the digital world and the world of knowledge," explained Miguel Brechner, director of the Technological Laboratory of Uruguay and in charge of Plan Ceibal.
"A revolution"
In the run up to Uruguay's general election on 25 October, the project is being promoted as an achievement of the Tabaré Vázquez government.
"It's been a revolution, which has helped us enormously, but it hasn't been easy," explained Lourdes Bardino, head teacher of School 173 in Las Piedras.
Ms Bardino said that some teachers were originally opposed to the introduction of the XO laptops.
"We have a lady who's been teaching for 30 years and when they gave us the computers and the training, she asked for leave because she didn't want to have anything to do with the programme. Later she changed her mind and now computers have changed the way she teaches."
All the teachers have been given training, but the extent to which they use the laptops in the classroom is up to them.
Research carried out recently by the State Education authorities revealed that some teachers have chosen not to include computer-related work in their lesson plans.
Costs and criticisms
The laptops have an open source Linux operating system with a user interface called Sugar. It has attracted some criticism from detractors for not being mainstream.
However Mr Brechner believes that children should learn computer skills regardless of the software available. Blind children were being taught on a Microsoft Windows operating system, he said.
The annual cost of maintaining the programme, including an information portal for pupils and teachers, will be US$21 (£13) per child.
The future
Its a culture shock scenario - many countries are simply too scared to put it into practice
Miguell Brechner, head of Plan Ceibal
Now that all the schoolchildren have their computers, the authorities say that they will endeavour keep the schools connected, particularly those in rural areas, where many still do not have internet access.
There are plans to extend the scheme to secondary schools and pre-school children next year.
Organisers of the Plan Ceibal have set up a consultancy in order to advise other countries wishing to replicate the Uruguayan experience.
Mr Brechner said that Rwanda, Haiti, El Salvador, Paraguay, some provinces in Argentina and Colombia have been in touch although they have not yet decided to contract their services.
"We would help them with tenders, planning, evaluation, which software to use, how to spread the word, training, all the "know how" we have developed. We don't have a manual. It´s a culture shock scenario - many countries are simply too scared to put it into practice."
:cheers:
As a big time progressive and believer in the spread of information and education this makes me smile a lot.
Bah...Cubans got free rice cookers.
Great, more teenagers on the internet.
Quote from: Tyr on October 16, 2009, 12:43:08 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8309583.stm
QuoteUruguay has become the first country to provide a laptop for every child attending state primary school.
President Tabaré Vázquez presented the final XO model laptops to pupils at a school in Montevideo on 13 October.
Over the last two years 362,000 pupils and 18,000 teachers have been involved in the scheme.
The "Plan Ceibal" (Education Connect) project has allowed many families access to the world of computers and the internet for the first time.
Uruguay is part of the One Laptop Per Child scheme, an organisation set up by internet pioneer Nicholas Negroponte. His original vision was to provide laptops at $100 (£61) but they proved more expensive.
The Uruguay programme has cost the state $260 (£159) per child, including maintenance costs, equipment repairs, training for the teachers and internet connection.
The total figure represents less than 5% of the country's education budget.
Around 70% of the XO model laptops handed out by the government were given to children who did not have computers at home.
"This is not simply the handing out of laptops or an education programme. It is a programme which seeks to reduce the gap between the digital world and the world of knowledge," explained Miguel Brechner, director of the Technological Laboratory of Uruguay and in charge of Plan Ceibal.
"A revolution"
In the run up to Uruguay's general election on 25 October, the project is being promoted as an achievement of the Tabaré Vázquez government.
"It's been a revolution, which has helped us enormously, but it hasn't been easy," explained Lourdes Bardino, head teacher of School 173 in Las Piedras.
Ms Bardino said that some teachers were originally opposed to the introduction of the XO laptops.
"We have a lady who's been teaching for 30 years and when they gave us the computers and the training, she asked for leave because she didn't want to have anything to do with the programme. Later she changed her mind and now computers have changed the way she teaches."
All the teachers have been given training, but the extent to which they use the laptops in the classroom is up to them.
Research carried out recently by the State Education authorities revealed that some teachers have chosen not to include computer-related work in their lesson plans.
Costs and criticisms
The laptops have an open source Linux operating system with a user interface called Sugar. It has attracted some criticism from detractors for not being mainstream.
However Mr Brechner believes that children should learn computer skills regardless of the software available. Blind children were being taught on a Microsoft Windows operating system, he said.
The annual cost of maintaining the programme, including an information portal for pupils and teachers, will be US$21 (£13) per child.
The future
Its a culture shock scenario - many countries are simply too scared to put it into practice
Miguell Brechner, head of Plan Ceibal
Now that all the schoolchildren have their computers, the authorities say that they will endeavour keep the schools connected, particularly those in rural areas, where many still do not have internet access.
There are plans to extend the scheme to secondary schools and pre-school children next year.
Organisers of the Plan Ceibal have set up a consultancy in order to advise other countries wishing to replicate the Uruguayan experience.
Mr Brechner said that Rwanda, Haiti, El Salvador, Paraguay, some provinces in Argentina and Colombia have been in touch although they have not yet decided to contract their services.
"We would help them with tenders, planning, evaluation, which software to use, how to spread the word, training, all the "know how" we have developed. We don't have a manual. It´s a culture shock scenario - many countries are simply too scared to put it into practice."
:cheers:
As a big time progressive and believer in the spread of information and education this makes me smile a lot.
what?
I thought we were the first...
I like the "laptops for some, miniature American flags for others" policy better.
The OLPC laptop is apparently a steaming pile of crap.
Quote from: Barrister on October 16, 2009, 01:17:09 PM
The OLPC laptop is apparently a steaming pile of crap.
A $100 laptop sucks!? Say it ain't so, Joe! :(
Quote from: Barrister on October 16, 2009, 01:17:09 PM
The OLPC laptop is apparently a steaming pile of crap.
I didn't know the third world needed to have leet computers.
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 16, 2009, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 16, 2009, 01:17:09 PM
The OLPC laptop is apparently a steaming pile of crap.
I didn't know the third world needed to have leet computers.
But they do need to have working computers.
Quote from: Barrister on October 16, 2009, 01:20:12 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 16, 2009, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 16, 2009, 01:17:09 PM
The OLPC laptop is apparently a steaming pile of crap.
I didn't know the third world needed to have leet computers.
But they do need to have working computers.
They work.
Quote from: Barrister on October 16, 2009, 01:20:12 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 16, 2009, 01:18:46 PM
Quote from: Barrister on October 16, 2009, 01:17:09 PM
The OLPC laptop is apparently a steaming pile of crap.
I didn't know the third world needed to have leet computers.
But they do need to have working computers.
They seem alright but....a wee bit expensive. You can get those little micro laptops for a similar price commercially.
I'[ve read of a Indian project which has laptops costing $70 or so.
I'm thinking of getting one of those little ones...they seem pretty handy for airport travel and such...I don't care if they won't play HOI3 or anything
Quote from: Caliga on October 16, 2009, 01:16:12 PM
I like the "laptops for some, miniature American flags for others" policy better.
(https://languish.org/forums/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fupload.wikimedia.org%2Fwikipedia%2Fen%2Fa%2Fa1%2FHomer_Dole_Clinton.png&hash=b86138f139e021ffa8efa562aa1b56b8afd39c3e)
Quote from: Josephus on October 16, 2009, 01:27:32 PM
I'm thinking of getting one of those little ones...they seem pretty handy for airport travel and such...I don't care if they won't play HOI3 or anything
We just got a bunch of the HP Minis and I have to say they are pretty damn cool. I love the form factor.... still large enough to type on comfortably but small enough to easily carry around one-handed while open.
Just don't bother with the ones with a Alpha 400mhz chip. UberCheap, but even with Linux they are sluggish.
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 16, 2009, 01:32:54 PM
Just don't bother with the ones with a Alpha 400mhz chip. UberCheap, but even with Linux they are sluggish.
The ones I'm talking about have Intel Atom-Ns IIRC.
I'm getting rid of my Acer Aspire One. Not sure if I'll get another netbook to replace it later on, but I've been using my normal-size Dell laptop a lot more these days.
Quote from: Caliga on October 16, 2009, 01:37:14 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 16, 2009, 01:32:54 PM
Just don't bother with the ones with a Alpha 400mhz chip. UberCheap, but even with Linux they are sluggish.
The ones I'm talking about have Intel Atom-Ns IIRC.
I had to cheap out on mine. :weep:
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 16, 2009, 01:40:43 PM
I had to cheap out on mine. :weep:
For some reason our application and associated rollout program are a "top company priority" so we basically get anything we want. They froze salaries, but any neat little doodad we we want, we can have. :yeah:
Quote from: Caliga on October 16, 2009, 01:45:13 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 16, 2009, 01:40:43 PM
I had to cheap out on mine. :weep:
For some reason our application and associated rollout program are a "top company priority" so we basically get anything we want. They froze salaries, but any neat little doodad we we want, we can have. :yeah:
I couldn't even get a PDA from purchasing. :mad:
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 16, 2009, 01:50:06 PM
I couldn't even get a PDA from purchasing. :mad:
Meanwhile I've asked for telecom to cancel voice on my Blackberry like ten times but that fucking douche telecom manager never returns my calls or acknowledges my emails... I get nonstop calls for some broad named Marcia Gosnell who apparently doesn't like to pay her debts on my damn BB. Hell, maybe I'll go up to that lazy fucker's office right now and throw my BB at him. :mad:
I work for the federal government. They won't even give me a cell phone.
Quote from: Barrister on October 16, 2009, 01:55:34 PM
I work for the federal government. They won't even give me a cell phone.
This guy should definitely work for the federal government too, judging by his LEET customer service skills.
I have a Lenovo netbook and I think its friggin awesome.
Quote from: Darth Wagtaros on October 16, 2009, 02:04:23 PM
I have a Lenovo netbook and I think its friggin awesome.
The Red Cross in our local counties just bought a shitload of those for disaster ops.
Quote from: Barrister on October 16, 2009, 01:55:34 PM
I work for the federal government. They won't even give me a cell phone.
Now an NDP government would make sure every lawyer had one, along with a rice cooker. Well, right after they increase your tax rate. ;)
Quote from: Josephus on October 16, 2009, 03:16:32 PM
Now an NDP government would make sure every lawyer had one, along with a rice cooker. Well, right after they increase your tax rate. ;)
Cell phones make it easier to conspire against the leadership.
Quote from: Caliga on October 16, 2009, 01:45:13 PM
Quote from: Ed Anger on October 16, 2009, 01:40:43 PM
I had to cheap out on mine. :weep:
For some reason our application and associated rollout program are a "top company priority" so we basically get anything we want. They froze salaries, but any neat little doodad we we want, we can have. :yeah:
Yeah, we're in a similar situation. My director pretty much okays anything I put in front of her. Trying not to abuse it (espec. since she just bought me my new phone), but I know there's room in the budget & I wouldn't mind having a 3rd monitor & a second laptop :shifty:
Quote from: Tyr on October 16, 2009, 12:43:08 PM
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/8309583.stm
QuoteUruguay has become the first country to provide a laptop for every child attending state primary school.
President Tabaré Vázquez presented the final XO model laptops to pupils at a school in Montevideo on 13 October.
Over the last two years 362,000 pupils and 18,000 teachers have been involved in the scheme.
The "Plan Ceibal" (Education Connect) project has allowed many families access to the world of computers and the internet for the first time.
Uruguay is part of the One Laptop Per Child scheme, an organisation set up by internet pioneer Nicholas Negroponte. His original vision was to provide laptops at $100 (£61) but they proved more expensive.
The Uruguay programme has cost the state $260 (£159) per child, including maintenance costs, equipment repairs, training for the teachers and internet connection.
The total figure represents less than 5% of the country's education budget.
Around 70% of the XO model laptops handed out by the government were given to children who did not have computers at home.
"This is not simply the handing out of laptops or an education programme. It is a programme which seeks to reduce the gap between the digital world and the world of knowledge," explained Miguel Brechner, director of the Technological Laboratory of Uruguay and in charge of Plan Ceibal.
"A revolution"
In the run up to Uruguay's general election on 25 October, the project is being promoted as an achievement of the Tabaré Vázquez government.
"It's been a revolution, which has helped us enormously, but it hasn't been easy," explained Lourdes Bardino, head teacher of School 173 in Las Piedras.
Ms Bardino said that some teachers were originally opposed to the introduction of the XO laptops.
"We have a lady who's been teaching for 30 years and when they gave us the computers and the training, she asked for leave because she didn't want to have anything to do with the programme. Later she changed her mind and now computers have changed the way she teaches."
All the teachers have been given training, but the extent to which they use the laptops in the classroom is up to them.
Research carried out recently by the State Education authorities revealed that some teachers have chosen not to include computer-related work in their lesson plans.
Costs and criticisms
The laptops have an open source Linux operating system with a user interface called Sugar. It has attracted some criticism from detractors for not being mainstream.
However Mr Brechner believes that children should learn computer skills regardless of the software available. Blind children were being taught on a Microsoft Windows operating system, he said.
The annual cost of maintaining the programme, including an information portal for pupils and teachers, will be US$21 (£13) per child.
The future
Its a culture shock scenario - many countries are simply too scared to put it into practice
Miguell Brechner, head of Plan Ceibal
Now that all the schoolchildren have their computers, the authorities say that they will endeavour keep the schools connected, particularly those in rural areas, where many still do not have internet access.
There are plans to extend the scheme to secondary schools and pre-school children next year.
Organisers of the Plan Ceibal have set up a consultancy in order to advise other countries wishing to replicate the Uruguayan experience.
Mr Brechner said that Rwanda, Haiti, El Salvador, Paraguay, some provinces in Argentina and Colombia have been in touch although they have not yet decided to contract their services.
"We would help them with tenders, planning, evaluation, which software to use, how to spread the word, training, all the "know how" we have developed. We don't have a manual. It´s a culture shock scenario - many countries are simply too scared to put it into practice."
:cheers:
As a big time progressive and believer in the spread of information and education this makes me smile a lot.
A good initiative. Without this, some children would go their whole lives without viewing internet porn!
There are children in the Congo who will probably *never* learn the joys of cropping quotes. :cry:
Quote from: Admiral Yi on October 16, 2009, 08:55:08 PM
There are children in the Congo who will probably *never* learn the joys of cropping quotes. :cry:
Yeah, but they'll probably have broadband before you :P
I wanted to do that "Buy One, Get One" thing, but fuck those kids. Last Christmas, my choice was I could either buy some dago a shitty netbook and get a shitty netbook myself, or I could get myself a slightly less shitty netbook all for myself.
Good choice too.. my Asus EEE is currently my only computer. :P
Quote from: derspiess on October 16, 2009, 10:33:10 PM
Yeah, but they'll probably have broadband before you :P
:blurgh:
FOREHEAD FOREHEAD FOREHEAD