Una Laptop Por Nino

The article “Una Laptop Por Nino” relates the experiences of an implementation specialist as he attempts to fulfill the requirements of an effort to empower children (disadvantaged children to be more precise). The premise of the effort is to give failing students the ability to see life beyond their villages and to give them the opportunity to peer into the outside world to select an alternate future. “Giving them eyes” to see the outside world is provided through the use of technology, a low cost – low energy consumption laptops, access to electricity as well as access to the internet.

The recipients of the “One Laptop Per Child” initiative are countries ranked lowest on the World Economic Forum survey. Peru is a country that ranked 130 out of 131 nations in math and science education and 131 on quality of primary schools. The reduced costs of the laptops will save money for the country but the true benefit of the project is to provide current up-to-date information that cannot be achieved by using standard textbooks.

The laptops are programmed with educational software as well as games. The educational software includes a word processor, art and music programs, camera, as well as a complete library of textbooks. Training to use the machine is included for both the teacher and the student. The teachers are required to continually install maintenance, educational, and security updates in an effort to avoid obsolescence.

To goal is to provide current text and programs that can help these students compete in a global economy (should they decide to select a future different from their parents).

Working out the logistics of the project appears to be challenging but efforts are underway to simplify the process.

Talking in Second Life

I have moved near the structures in Second Life. I hear voices. Someone is talking about a brain tumor and the subsequent surgery.

It's truly depressing but I can't find the person.

I found a sign that tells me how to talk and I hear someone else talking.

I will figure this out soon I hope.

Transportation

I am trying to find another way to get around in Second Life. I tried to get into a motor boat but fell in the water instead. Then I tried to get into a car but could not. Next I flew to a spot with horses but could not mount. Now I'm at the trolly station but there is a terrorist shooting at everyone. I ran down the block and am looking for another location to wait for the trolley.

Does anyone know how to board the trolley?

Starting to relax

I was feeling a little lost in the class. I imagine myself writing everything down but it is coming at me so fast that I fail to write things down correctly.

Today, I'm taking the time to discover Second Life. I've finally learned how to walk and fly (and apparently swim, since I've been falling into water, quick sand, and pavement). I met a few people who are all new. They were searching for an experienced Second Lifer, so although they added me to the friend list, they quickly outwalked me and left.

I found a beautiful horse and would like to ride it. Can someone help me mount it?

The horror

Success at last. I have spent the entire morning trying to get into my own account. For some reason, I failed to write my usernames and passwords. The best advice I can give to any reader is to MAKE SURE YOU WRITE DOWN YOUR username and password.