Nicholas Negroponte takes OLPC to Colombia

[ErichoTTA]

Now these are people who are truly changing the world.

[eap8317]

It is a great iniciative as children need access to information in an unbias way. If this laptops don't have prerecorded government or corporation propaganda then they will a powerful tool to expand information and knowledge...I hope this is not used as another expansionist tool for the american empire..but at first it seems a very good thing...

[anydrah]

OLPC makes a great contribution to equal opportunities of children. They act. Great respect!

To support the effort, the Online Schoolbook GOLD DUST is now available to students. You can add it to your homepage or the XO. The GOLD DUST story is the merging of imagination and scientific facts, a peer-reviewed educational content and an open educational resource. Let you inspire by the interactive and interdiciplinary textbook and give your valuable comments.

[theresponderful]

I feel like I'm on crazy pills. The Colombian military has unleashed more death and destruction on its people than the FARC ever has. Google "False Positives Colombia" for just one example. TED has lowered itself to the position of propaganda pusher for a regime with one of the worst human rights records in the world. I also suggest google-ing Nick's older brother, John Negroponte, the orchestrator of US intervention in Central America in the 1980s.

[edjcastro]

I suggest you to stfu and learn something about Colombia before writing.

[leanonme1]

cant these laptops connect to the internet??? can they see the same websites as i can? can they watch TED on youtube????

[nawitus]

Too bad OLPC was bought out by Microsoft.

[mynameisnicholas]

Agreed.

[mitchrix31]

the freindly military crushed your freedom but dont worry you get a laptop. cant organize your workplace? here have a laptop

[Charlymaumushi]

Fuck me! now columbians are going to think it's cool to "be gangsta". Now myspace is going to recieve a massive lag due to the insane increase of computer owners. Now other kids are going to steal their frinds laptop. Before we now it it's going to turn in to detroit.

[kitsunde]

Only Americans think it's cool to "be gangsta", the rest of us think it's a pretty ridiculous concept.

[Charlymaumushi]

"The rest of us" who are "us"?

[Againstthestream08]

Your generalities amaze me. Anywhere where there is poverty, there is crime. "Gangstas" exist anywhere there is poverty. Since poverty is all over the world, it is safe to say that there are gangstas everywhere.

[regresseur]

2:14 - Welcome to propaganda, kids. We're the military -- we love you.

This is just about a few persons becoming insanely rich, and more of the US assimilating a defenseless people and coming closer to its goal of eradicating culture the world over.

The last thing these people need is laptops.

[Relativisticism]

so are these laptops solar powered or what? If these kids don't have electricity how the hell do they recharge them?

[RationalEmotive]

Alll it's gonna do is show people in third world countries our lifestyle and making them wanting to come over and exploit our riches. It's gonna hook people on internet porn and put Western people out of jobs when these kids learn how to program.

A really bad idea with a slippery slope.

[lorescro101]

The former defense minister of Colombia is a paramilitar like the president, my sense is they are doing this propaganda because he is running campaign for presidence in Colombia

[lorescro101]

But it doesn`t mean that i ain`t happy for the kids having laptops

[chosenmachine]

those god damn television, telephone, computer hating ludites.... god bless the columbian military for making twitter possible for children that live in rural communities without healthcare

[semiliteratedgod]

great, now small Columbians can learn about the CIA death squads in their country and Latin America and listen to Noam Chomsky tapes ...

BTW, Nicholas Negroponte is the younger brother of John Negroponte (and if you watch closely, you can see some evil in this guy too)

How ironic is that?!

[semiliteratedgod]

search for "Noam Chomsky on John Negropontes Career From the Death Squads of Honduras to the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad."

[ProfessorFreaksworth]

I had no idea they were related. Very interesting

[justbekindtooall]

wonderful, thak you so much for what you are doing.........

[GrannySays]

A tool for learning. What is it they are going to be taught after they learn to read and operate the computers?

[NicosNicosNicosNicos]

@GrannySays That the continent's biggest human rights abuser (the Colombian military -backed by the US) is a nice fluffy santa-claus.

[dan1one]

most touching video in a while

[Dhonigk]

Wonder what processor does it use???

[seppesai]

inspiring...

[ProfessorFreaksworth]

I got goosebumps from this! I love the OLPC!

This whole movement, if I may call it that, will have an effect on poverty, destitution, crime and violence in the world bigger than any other single thing I can think of.

[RationalEmotive]

I used to be enthusiastic about the project as well. At the moment now, however I don't see how a laptop can substitute for guided and pedagogic education.

Sure the children are going to learn a lot from a computer, then again a lot of children in Western countries are highly sophisticated at the computer but lack success nevertheless.

[ProfessorFreaksworth]

Agreed! But most western children can choose to succeed or not - by whatever their definition of 'success' is. These kids don't even know there is a choice.

[flyhead2]

What is this bullshit?

[lwanatt]

did i just see mac-os... i agree with the idea behind this project 100% but then to give them computers that have proprietary operating systems is completely counterproductive, they need encouragement to form an open source community and the ability to really get in there and dysect NOT TO MENTION linux is free and could allow smaller investments to purchase more product

[dominice112]

linux redhat (fedora) if I'm not mistaken..

the next time buddy, do some research instead of trying to be cool and making a useless point

[lwanatt]

thanks for the correction, but is the rudeness necessary?

[dominice112]

The time and effort you took to rant about this project, instead of clicking around and finding out for yourself, is beyond rude towards those who spend their time on the project (without pay).

It was futile effort to look cool with an rant.

Try the "other persons perspective" approach, and you might understand my reaction.

[lwanatt]

from your perspective im fairly certain my reply would have been as follows, you are mistaken they are intact using linux, but to each his own i probably deserved your response i just wouldn't have reacted that way myself, my comment was not an effort to look cool ether just to clear that up i couldn't give a shit what random ppl thought of me even if i wanted to, i was attempting to make a productive critique on what i perceived to be a critical error

[dominice112]

Productive critique; know what you are talking about, make the effort to get informed, and then start asking questions.

What you did: Say it was so, claimed it was a shitty thing, and felt you did you share.

How the hell do you see your remark as productive?!

[lwanatt]

what i did: caught a glimpse of one of the computer screens in the video, incorrectly noticed the familiar ui setup from mac os which i have used but never owned, attempted to make a productive critique, failed.

what you did: act like an ahole

i make mistakes, infact i make them often, it is for that reason that when i notice the mistakes of others i apply what is called tact, but maybe you rarely make mistakes, if this is true you should try taking a risk some time, you might like it

[StarFur]

I really believe in this project; so I went to do a report on it for my persuasive essay and no one gave a gib. People need to know what is going on and pay attention to the forecasting breezes of the winds of change.

[fourthirteen]

imagine the dividends we will enjoy when all the children of the world have access to an education.

[calumlittle]

Good idea. Excellent.

[bcosten2007]

i don't have a laptop, where's mine?

[loggeronline]

When you're cut off from the world by a paramilitary group, you'll get one. Cross your fingers!

[arabidopsissb]

why those "poor" and "disconected" childrens have digital cameras and cell phones?

[cssima]

they stole it, happens to everyone that goes touristing in those countries :(

[cannoir]

Qatari mobile phone cost 5 dollars ( for real) . do you not have one ?

[Animalll2003lll]

I WANT ONE!!!!!!!!! WTF????? UNFAIRNESS!!!!!!

......srsly awesome project!. THIS is the future. it makes me hopeful for the future of humanity. everyone communicating and collaborating together--no more wars/win win relations--it's possible and it will happen if we connect together. but hey when are these things available in my town??

[Foxhound936]

This is not about our "false sense of satisfaction" as some say. It is ignorance to say such things.

What people fail to realize is what we take for granted (i.e: internet, computers, ect) is really a blessing with unlimited potential.

It is very pessimistic to say this mans work is in vein or ironic.

Charities dont give out food, healthcare and shoes to people in need to sit back and smile about what a great job they did.

[i337gamer]

Amazing!

[fuunguus]

Children in most, if not all developed countries, doesn't have the pleasure to own a lap-top. I just think that is a funny thought.

[code933k]

Linux is great and Negroponte wants beauty things [...]

However, the current colombian government uses this public initiative for self-promotion while signing with Microsoft when nobody is seeing.  This pushes the State to spend many more dollars in proprietary software than those invested in children.

Therefore, one word: Propaganda.

PS:// It is the ex-minister of defence who delivers personally the laptops because he is currently running for president... This is it!

[bmed19]

haha nice.

it seems that these laptops are giving us westerners a false sense of satisfaction that we are making a difference. we are spreading ignorance about the true consequences of our actions through the complacency we get by thinking we did something good.

sorta ironic

[conceitarturo]

as a colombian let me tell you...the minister of defense is BAD NEWS

[Panpiper]

People can do evil, with good intent. People can also do good, despite evil intent. I care little what motivates a person to do a deed. I care a great deal about the deed done. Getting these laptops to kids is a good thing. If some crook finds a way to gain by getting large numbers of them to kids who would otherwise not have them, then I have no issues. Would that all crooks would do so.

[IronLikeALionZion]

I was thinking exactly the opposite, me coming from a third world country as well, that someone would then be able to take advantage of this. Technology would also generate jelousy and probably robbery by other kids "on the block". But you are very very right. There will always be bad people testing your will, but at the end, more good than bad will be done. You have cleared my mind and i thank you for that.

[1schwererziehbar1]

i don't get it. how can they be surfing the internet if they have no electricity? yeah the laptop is powered by a crank arm. but where is the ISP?

[IslandHermit]

1schwererziehbar1 wrote: "where is the ISP?"

In most cases the school is given a small server which has a connection to the nearest town with net access. The children's XOs connect to the school server using their built-in wifi.

[Nercury]

Built on Fedora Linux

[ayanashimmer]

still feels like imposing a set of values, I find him scary.

[lasercat10cc]

This stunned me, this is incredible! Wow shockingly good. This should be done in Afghanistan and countries like it ! My God this could change the world to become more united !

[tyrbolo]

To quote Bob Dylan "bury the rag deep in your face now is the time for your tears !!"

The USA who claims to love children will give

billions to banks but $100 for each child is

too expensive an investment to make.

Project Gutenberg alone has almost 30000 free

ebooks on-line. Between the Archive/Librivox

and Project Gutenberg the educaional resources to bookstrap children exist now.

In USA we allow Jerry Springer show to guide

them.

[visualjoe]

religion is a one of the biggest obstacles in the search of knowledge, progress and prosperity for the human kind.

[bmed19]

maybe that is because religion and western scoiety have different perceptions of what constitues as progress.

what one society percieves as progressive is viewed as the opposite in another.

[cannoir]

religion is the world biggest crime organisation. Xtianism leads the way

[conielo]

What happens if a child breaks their laptop? Do they have backup ones or are they left without one?

[marjan15]

thank you for not adding typical nasty TED intro audio !!

[sacapiloa]

im highly doubtful of this program

[ArgueExplain]

Sure, computers are useful, but they lead to an addiction to World of Warcraft. We're recruiting slaves for Blizzard.

[zebratraceur]

yeah, you know. those hundred dollar laptops are properly built to run wow and other mmorpgs. i'm pretty sure big gaming companies are behind all this conspiracy.

[ofthewarhammer]

wow. This is a great explanation of the program. It gave be goosebumps. I nearly cried, and i'm not even pmsing.

[adamabra8]

I wonder if they make different keyboards for the different language speakers. I'm pretty sure Ethiopia is not all that familiar with phonetics.

[m1ke905]

I'm in good favor of this whole idea...but is it just me or is that a BSOD I see on the laptop the teacher is holding at 4:36 - 4:38.

[oxygenownz]

i think its the loading screen of the OS or something.

[TeeBeeNZ]

And MS will come in and screw this up somehow in 3, 2, 1....

[boorens18]

This is inspiring beyond belief.....Education will liberate you.

[TURNTOCHRIST]

MANDELLA SAY Education can change the world the greatest tool it is, GOD IS GREAT

[PolarBeamz]

Very good!

Kinda reminds me of the late Bill Hick's analogy about rebuilding the Stealth jets to shoot food over areas in need.

[NicosNicosNicosNicos]

@PolarBeamz Except in this case it is murdering civilians AND giving them laptops.

[GuineaJay]

I like the idea but damnit I'm on a laptop with a cracked screen paying a fortune for internet. Hell they have internet in a South American jungle and my iPhone doesnt get reception in Central Park.

[dorotwhy]

Beautiful children!

[p0ison1vy]

i wish i had my own laptop when i was a kid

[sometimesido99]

Awesome project! A big step in changing the world.

[dancerxing5]

*bounces with excitement* This is such a cool movement. This is exactly what the world needs, I think.

[FLUSEM666]

I see your point. Sadly, those other peoples kids are the kind if left alone would eventually strap explosives to themselves and become religious fanatical suicide bombers heading to paradise! The world faces problems of climate change, failing resources but mostly ignorance. The solutions to which can only be global. Education is the way forward.

[bluesrunthegame]

American children are a great natural resource. They burn clean.

[FLUSEM666]

Oh thats nasty. Funny and probably the answer for all those fucking evangelists that breed like rabbits but nasty. Keep the sarcasm coming. I like your style.

[rocketman234]

Hmm what's the power source here? Just curious, cause they don't look like they've got a place to plug in per se, and I don't see a solar panel.

[mittleman15]

i believe they are crank powerd.

[PestVolk]

I just checked wikipedia on it and they can use a footpedal to recharge the battery.

[starwarsgeek8]

There's also a hand crank on the side for extra juice.

What's up with the full military escort?

[dominice112]

If I'm not mistaken.. he explains that portion.. sometimes the Department of Defense pays for the laptops (anti-drug-cartel-recruitment stuff..), and than you get the military escort for free.

[jhamain]

innoculating children against ignorance

this is gonna be world changing

[int3rl0per]

Yes, maybe we'll finally be able to get rid of religion.

[bambapabbi]

Yes hopefully

[poweredxbyxhope]

It only takes one good dose of common sense.

Unless of course you've been brainwashed as a child...

But that's what this program seems to be trying to prevent, so kudos to them!

[Radjehuty]

wow. The part about the girl teaching her mother to read was touching. This is why I could never work at DCF. Children have always been my weakness.

Go TED!

[delicatoasdf]

Super!

[juggep80]

Will this eliminate religion too?

[NikiDaDude]

I was just wondering how long will it be before some rich religious asshole decides to step in and finance the project if the XO ships with the bible/quran.

[websnarf]

An actual searchable raw text version of the Bible/Quran? Have you actually sat down to read those things? The entire country would be converted to atheism almost immediately!

[JamesTheTank]

Wow, actually made me laugh in a vocalized manner. That's rare, excelent comment.

[lwanatt]

its so funny to me because on the occasions ive sat through a church service ive noticed SOOOOO many logic errors, it leads me to believe ether the majority of people are not even capable of deductive reasoning or the have discovered a way of temporarily turn it off for one hour once a week

[BaileysBeads]

only if they can reach Youtube :-p

[defect530]

that would be nice

[websnarf]

It will occupy their free time with intellectual pursuits and self improvement that has nothing to do with religion. They will see that praying to the computer is irrelevant -- to make it work you have to understand it.

So it will eliminate religion in the same way the Nintendo, rave parties and "hanging out at the mall" eliminates religion -- by taking time away from it. Which is a good thing.

[himynameississy]

so are you against or for religion?

[websnarf]

Am I against a failure of the mind that makes people think that authoritarian answers are a good substitute for understanding?

I support religion to the extent that religion supports feminism, sex education, equality for homosexuals, elective abortion, the right to exercise euthanasia and the use of embryonic stem cells for research.

I support religion only to the degree which it produces progressive thinking and enriches our understanding of the world.

Does that answer your question?

[tempemonkey2323]

The core essence of religion is dogmatically believing a lie... You are encouraged to ignore facts and believe in some shitty ass idea.

Religion is a lie. Regardless of what it does for its members or for society.... The truth could always do more....

Which is why I say..... Fuck the religion, fuck fuck the religion, fuck the religion fuck fuck the religion.

[elspoko]

Amen!

[JamesTheTank]

If you could find a religion that benifited the individual, the group, and the world I'd wager you'd change your tone. Religion should be a tool of self actualization, not brainwashing, that far I whole heartidly agree with you. I've been an athiest, my religiousity (yes I called it that) has proven to work for me. Powerful imagry, archtypal idea's, right and wrong, good/not good. That's what religion should be about. Mundless creationist ideals ie "god did it" is for the masses. It's crap.

[yeailljake]

I love you.

[tempemonkey2323]

Religion teaches people to hold metaphysical beliefs if they feel like it, and then it teaches them to act upon those beliefs and encourage others to do the same.

The religious thought process is a slippery slope. What may start out as good, changes to a form of brain washing and mind control quite quickly.

The point is, religion can easily destroy truth, human nature, and proper thought processes.

Its best if people use evidence and reason to base their thought processes on.

[tempemonkey2323]

I would only change my tone if a religion used proper evidence for its epistemological, metaphysical, ethical, and psychological claims.... This will never happen, then the religion would have to rely upon science...

Dont get me wrong, I dont think that religion should be illegal, or that it does not help people from time to time..

However, I do feel that it betrays rationality, and is therefore dangerous and people should react against religions. Truth is always better than a lie.

[JamesTheTank]

Truth, is always better than a lie. But have you considered a different approach. I thought Dan Dennett's proposal to require world religions study was genious. In a world that is polarizing religiousity vs atheism no tool would better perpetuate peace and understanding. I recommend Dan Dennett's secular responce to Rick Warren, author of The Purposful Life.

[websnarf]

You don't need religion for any of how its "worked" for you. But it needs you -- it needs someone willing to submit to a regime of thought that is not accountable to themselves.

Why did you have to subvert truth from understanding to truth from authority? Is your imagination not good enough for powerful imagery? Can you not derive archetypcal from culture? Do the laws of the land and solidarity with your fellows not tell you what right and wrong are?

[JamesTheTank]

I am a far thing from a Christian, in my faith people are attracted because it suits them, not the other way.

Truth from understanding is in arguement a factor of relativeism, hardly a progressive approach. Religion reguires imagination, I admit that. And no, culture does not supply the powerful archtypes nearly as well are religion. As far as laws of the land and solidarity with fellows, are you after my heart? I totally agree. Religious people just need to admit it's fantasy, and I do.

[TURNTOCHRIST]

i AGREE BUT, JESUS CHRIST is real, he came from the east, had brown skin and all the Holy Apostles were Martyrs with the power of God, they are my brothers

[zebratraceur]

LOL

[websnarf]

The truth *has* done more. That's how we get inventions, education and the comfortable life we live in. The OLPC itself is the product of the search for truth, not praying to one's imagination.

[TURNTOCHRIST]

we need to pray and read the holy words

[jippy33]

Isn't that like using the laptop as a fist weapon?

[code933k]

I became a more rational, useful and loving person since I put the "pray" in to the trash can.

But I still read the "holy" word to get vaccinated against those who are indoctrinated into thinking that an ancient book wrote by peasants is the solution to anybodies problems.

[IslandHermit]

"we need to pray and read the holy words"

I'm fine with that, just so long as you get a good secular education after you're done praying.

[ratholin]

right. kids who can't spell or do math can pray kids who can spell and do math can pray and make medicine.

[himynameississy]

yes thank you, most people these days don't have their thoughts laid out and it is refreshing to see someone who does and understands and is aware of what is happening around them.

[1140Cecile]

Looks like a fantastic program. It'd be nice if we could get these laptops over to the kids in backwoods Pakistan who have only one book, the Q'ran, to study and memorize for 6 hours every day.

[PickYourColor]

haha

[iamafractal]

What happened to the wind-up cranks these used to have?

[SebakSwe]

Good thing, until they find 4chan ^^

[roidroid]

/Uganda/ closed due to Aids.