Comments on: I Need More Laptops

By: ICT in my Classroom » Laptop Project Review Meeting

ICT in my Classroom » Laptop Project Review Meeting — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 22:32:07 +0000

[...] from other schools who have a similar resource. I explained about Graham Wegner in Australia having something parallel to us and how it would be valuable to hear from the staff involved. A visit to a another UK school would [...]

By: Warrick

Warrick — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 08:36:18 +0000

Interesting post Graham, particularly in the light of the $100 laptop program in the US currently, competing $300 models coming out, and machines like the Assuss EEE, which are below $500A.

Charles Wright talks about some of the specs of that machine, which is selling like hot cakes, here;

http://www.itwire.com/content/view/15630/1144/

By: Bill Kerr

Bill Kerr — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 22:44:03 +0000

hi graham,

this pushed me over the edge to write a new blog:
free, lean, fast, connected

I think Sylvia has the educational perspective on the button – as a model – (keeping in mind that the OLPC is designed for third world conditions)

By: sylvia martinez

sylvia martinez — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 15:58:42 +0000

However – consider that the opposite might be true, that by focusing on the connection and the server, you are taking functionality out of the hands of the kids. It refocuses the attention to the central system and encourages a delivery model of instruction. It would be a shame if laptops just turned into a glorified, electronic textbook and test machine, hooked to and controlled by a central server.

I think the OLPC model is exactly reversed from that. Get the connection if you can, but the real power is in the local mesh network, the ability to collaborate with others regardless of a fat pipe to the Internet, and the primary ability for the student to construct multimedia, programs and other things as they learn.

I don’t think this is an “either/or”, but a “both/and”. Like you said, if you can have a connection to a global collaborative project, it’s a great thing.

By: tbarrett

tbarrett — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 12:57:47 +0000

We have a similar situation Graham with 32 laptops permanently placed in 4 upper junior classes. The permanence of the technology is such a benefit to the children and teachers – to know that you have a 8 machines to use as you see fit in any lesson where it is appropriate is a major step for us. And personally it has taken some readjustment to get in the right mindset for planning with such a resource on tap.

I agree with your point about shifting to an online – browser experience, with more and more reliability as standard with wireless networks etc it will be easier to take this step – and much cheaper.