Help me craft a reply to OLPC!

SJ Klein from OLPC sees groups like ours as helpful to the OLPC initiative.
What can we offer? I feel that the hardware and software will be tested by jillions of technologists and computer scientists, do we add anything there? OR, do we focus on applied use with children, and designing curriculum that maximizes the most significant, transformative functions of the XO? Your ideas, please.

Hello Ms. Krauss,
Thank you for setting up a classroom2.0 page about XOs. There is certainly a lot of discussion among educators about how to get involved! We have regular discussions with friends who help coordinate educator members of the AARP, and have been promoting efforts to help OLPC in their own communications.
As to communities of practice, Anne Gentle was just asking about where teachers are currently posting their thoughts and materials; starting this community is an important piece of how that will work a year from now.
SJ Klein

0 members like this

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mark Horney on November 28, 2007 at 7:51pm

I think OLPC is at a critical juncture. Most of the effort thus far has been into building the hardware. This seems to be successful, but we'll be better able to judge once the thousands of G1G1 computers come into the hands of a broad range of educators. The parallel marketing effort has hit significant roadblocks. Some of these derive from hardware competition (e.g. Intel), but others are the realization by developing countries that the Educational Plan (i.e. "Its an education project, not a laptop project") is mostly wishful thinking at the moment. A worldwide professional development effort is needed, not to mention culturally appropriate curriculum and materials development.

This is where I think we step in. We, the in-the-trenches educational community must find ways to assist our colleagues about to receive those G1G1 computers in making the best use of this opportunity. If we don't, the whole vision might fade away.

Permalink Reply by Jane Krauss on November 29, 2007 at 9:26pm

Thanks, Mark: This is just the kind of thinking I'm looking for. Hope others weigh in! By the way, do you know any other Eugenians who ordered XOs? I don't. I submitted a story idea to the RG hoping it might generate interest, we'll see if that yields anything. It's hard for me to believe there are only the two of us!

Permalink Reply by Tonya Witherspoon on December 20, 2007 at 11:44pm

I am working on piloting a small program in Wichita, Kansas with 20 XO laptops with children in 3-5th grades. I would be glad to work with others researching the benefits of the XO applications with children. I will be video taping a couple of children getting their first look at the XO's this weekend. I'm interested in their initial responses but also in their sustained interest and abilities to use these laptops as productivity tools. I'm glad to join the conversation!

Permalink Reply by Mark Horney on December 21, 2007 at 3:36pm

What sorts of activities do you plan to start these kids out with on their XOs?

Permalink Reply by Tonya Witherspoon on December 22, 2007 at 12:46pm

I am really not sure what applications or activities will be the best. I am familiar with Squeek so I"ll start with that. The mesh network has some possibilities. I'm hoping to come up with a few things, learn some things from all of you, and then listen to the children and let them lead me.

What about you?

Permalink Reply by Kevin H. on December 21, 2007 at 4:56pm