Nicholas Negroponte: The vision behind One Laptop Per Child

[keenefreelibrary]

Technically speaking, you can remix this video on an OLPC XO-1 (it might take a while.)

Legally speaking, you couldn't share it with anyone if you did. TED really should fix this, there's absolutely no reason why people shouldn't use TED for remixes. With all the talk of changing culture, it should be re-mixable also. That's kind of what Lawrence Lessig was talking about when he was on TED, was it not?

[Jefferdaughter]

Just wondering if anyone has calculated the environmental impact of producing - and disposing within a few years - this many laptops?

More insidious is the underlying assumption that the way to improve lives is to help the world all become more like us. You know, to live a more 'Western' or 'American' lifestyle.

[lordrazi111693]

its funny. every time i watch a TED vid i think "maybe we can make it. maybe there is hope" then i remember bush was elected twice and laugh at myself.

[Wormtail81]

Government distribution in third world countries of laptops. Fraud, anyone?

[r0b0bert]

Id buy one for 300!

[mmloban]

This is certainly a very innovative technology that has a lot of opportunities. Just imagine if students here in US could teach children in Africa over internet. The computers designed by Negroponte can open a door to peer-to-peer educational model.

[TetuaMaana]

ALL students in the US or just the smart ones?

[WhiteJack8791]

$%#&, my laptop cost $3,200.

[DustTown]

There seems to be a rampant retro-romantic myth of the tribal society. Please refer to Steven Pinker's "myth of violence" on TED. The myth of an utopian tribal society is understandable given the context of this age, but nevertheless the myth must be perpetrated with historical facts. People tend to ignore the tremendous positive benefits that modern technology has brought--increased life expectancy, reduced infant mortality rate. (continuted)

[DustTown]

By one estimate, the amount of poverty lifted in China and India by the information technology is more than the sum of all poverty lifted in all of history combined. We are all aware of the tremendous harm and corrupting influence that technology can have, however, we must also NOT ignore the positive gains that modernity has brought to humanity

[castingtherunes]

The natives have been getting along fine without your crappy computers. I say leave 'em alone.

[castingtherunes]

So you're corrupting natives in foreign lands with technology. Great.

[tetranoob]

optional no backlit screen. I could read it's screen in bed using a lamp and not get eye burn! I think i want one of these.

[Anthonsgirl]

i want a green machine:( there adorable and im glad ppl are doin things to change poverty and increase education.

[yadeyrinii]

Brillant. He is the smartest man alive, he is doing something to change the world in a positive way. This is the most dangerous man in the world.

[parce86]

to who? world domination and suppression of others for corporate gain??

this man has a good heart and purpose,let's all support him!

[yadeyrinii]

Nick is undermining the cycle of ignorance and dependency, not only for people in the first world but especially people in the first. He is very dangerous, because he is working towards giving everyone robust access to the great digital storehouse of human knowledge, i.e. the internet, with humanities most versatile tool: the computer.

[tk100]

yadeyrinii

I really don't see how such action would cause any danger. The internet can teach kids in the third world countries language, natural science and social science. It'll help them see the world from many perspectives. And thus, it would only lead them to a more prosper and civilized community.

Knowledge does make a difference. And there's no better, faster learning tool than a computer and the World Wide Web.

[yadeyrinii]

Putting knowledge in the hands of the impoverished is the first step to creating an egalitarian world. That's a threat to some of the industrial aristocratic elites.

[TetuaMaana]

Or it would make the more knowledgeable raise their game higher?

[BR177]

how about giving them something to eat?

[TetuaMaana]

@BR177

I think you are well-meaning, but there needs to be a seismic shift in your thinking on this matter.

[BR177]

I think it is useful, but not in the form of a "goverment credit" as it is. I will rather consider a Fundation with donations and generic, cheap, asian computers.

[gymangos]

I support your ideas Nicholas Negroponte! Good on ya!

[yuvents]

That's a spirit right there. Makes my day.

[bramcorleone]

well this is a very great project I must admit

[thisissami]

wow... amazing!