Through the growing industry of computers and the decreasing prices of hardware to create netbooks, which are half the price of regular laptop PCs, technology has gradually become more accessible in a school environment. Not only is this affecting schools in the United States, but also schools in developing countries such as Brazil, Jordan, and India.
This in effect brought companies such as Intel to create a "kid-friendly" PC that could fit in a child's educational needs, called the Classmate Netbook PC. These netbooks are not only easy to interact and carry with schoolchildren, mainly due to its tablet mode, but durable enough to survive through any unexpected drops due to its hard plastic exterior and water resistant keyboard. This netbook also carries Intel's Atom chip which allow for longer battery life and better performance.
However, the Classmate Netbook PC is not the only PC available for educational purposes. Other programs such as the One Laptop Per Child program offer the XO computer, in which NComputing claims to be able to deliver their PCs for less than $100, while the ClassmatePC would cost $300 to make (not including software, installation, and computer support). This would be possible by NComputing's "thin-client" model, where several PCs (with limited capabilities) would connect to a central computer to store and retrieve information.
Despite these programs available it still seems that the goal price of $100 per computer cannot be reached due to additional price of software, teacher training, and tech support. Only the future will tell if developing countries will finally be able to afford these types of commodities to educate their children and cultivate a more technologically knowledgeable generation.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
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4 comments:
Its amazing how rapidly technology advances in today's world. It's these advances that allow us to even approach a $100 computer. Something like this would never of been possible five or ten years ago, and not just because of the size, but the production costs.
If everyone student was able to gain access to a computer through programs such as these, then the that will only increase the rate at which new technology is produced.
I agree with Nick technology is advancing at such a rapid pace its unbelievable. Thinking that the first PC was only invented in 1981 and to think that now there thinking of selling $100 netbooks for kids. I feel like soon people are going to be throwing away computers. If these netbooks came into being i feel like it would help kids from elementary school althrough highschool. It would also make note taking much easier and I feel like it will further prepare you for college since a lot more is done in college on a labtop. I wonder if they will start making $100 netbooks for college students, if they do I hope it happens before I go to college.
It's a amazing to even think of a laptop that costs $100. this would be a fraction of the price that laptops sell for now, and to think if this could happen. Countries all over the world could benefit from this in advancing their education for their children for the future
Dan,
It is interesting that the technology is available now to produce child friendly PCs. You correctly point out however the "behind the scenes" costs which will prohibit manufacturers from delivering PCs for $100. This might be possible sooner than we think, however.
To add to the comments made, studies of students participating in "one laptop per child" programs, show significant improvements in academic achievement and higher order thinking skills.
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