So Nicholas Negroponte has a new idea to push his OLPCs (One Laptop per Child). This is the program that has developed a laptop affordable enough for every child in the world to have one. Originally $100, the laptop is now around $200 — still a bargain. But now, with the Give one,
Get One program, parents in wealthy countries spend $400 to get their kid an OLPC and donate one to a needy child. Nice. Satisfy your computing needs and your philanthropic urges at the same time!
What I think would be cool is if, in addition to the photo of the child you donated the computer to, they connected the children via the internet as penpals. Or video-conference pals. (Does the OLPC have a webcam?) This way they learn to be citizens of the new flat world while making a friend half-way across the world. OR BETTER YET, create a social network so children can learn about children all around the world utilizing the power of social networking!
What do you think?
