During a two-week period in November, U.S. and Canadian residents will be able to buy the XO laptop for US$400, with the proceeds from each sale buying an identical machine for a child in a poor country. The pool of donated computers resulting from the "Give One, Get One" promotion are intended to incite demand in developing countries that have not yet joined the One Laptop Per Child program. The XO laptop, which can be hand-powered and uses one-tenth the energy of a conventional laptop, has the potential to revolutionize learning and education amongst the world's poorest children.
A Unique Laptop Designed Specifically for Children
With its bright green exterior, child-friendly handle, and mesh-network antennas that look a lot like rabbit ears, the XO laptop is unmistakable. Its unique design includes exterior features and a user interface created explicitly to help children explore, express, and learn. Catering to the nearly half a billion children without access to electricity, the XO can be recharged with a crank, pedal or pull-cord. It is also extremely durable--built with thicker walls and a sealed, rubber-membrane keyboard--and is expected to have a lifetime of at least five years. Its display has both indoor and outdoor settings so it can be used in full sunlight, and of course, the machine has built-in wireless networking.
The XO's user interface focuses on three principles:
- Presence: laptops will connect with all others in range to promote collaborative learning and facilitate the exchange of ideas.
- Expression: most activities will focus on creation--whether it be creating a drawing, song, story, game, or program--and will apply the principle of learning through doing.
- Journaling: the Journal will provide a record of a child's activities, creations, and interactions. It can be tagged, searched and sorted, and reflects a new approach to conventional file organization.
Give One, Get One
Quanta Computer Inc. sells XO laptops to developing countries for $188. In an effort to spur more widespread adoption of the laptop in developing country classrooms, the "Give One, Get One" promotion will deliver two computers--one to a U.S. or Canadian child and one to a developing country child--for only US$400. This sale will go on for only two weeks starting November 12th, and purchases can be made at http://www.xogiving.com.It is also possible to donate a single computer at the One Laptop Per Child website. Italy has purchased some 50,000 XOs, which will be donated to children in Ethiopia. An individual, Carlos Slim, is expected to purchase 25,000 units to lend to Mexican children.
RELATED LINKS:
"Laptop Project Set for 2 Weeks in Nov." (Associated Press)
EarthTrends
Statistic: Homes with personal computers
