Mobile Education
First, the One Laptop Per Child project was conceived last year. This initiative aims to revolutionize how we educate the world’s children by providing kids in developing countries with computer technology.
Now, we see movements in US pushing for A Laptop at Every Desk in the Classroom!
It seems that laptop computers are having a more appreciated role in the classroom. For the computer industry, this is very good news! The hardware sector for producing educational laptops offers a promising market if hardware makers can craft an affordable and robust solution. Really, how many years do you expect a laptop to last under the care of children? Once this pushes through, this could trigger a demand in Computer-Based Training / Training Supplements in the software sector. Both of which will be poised to take advantage of the good telecommunications infrastructure that we have. More jobs for everyone!
However, parents are not that excited about it:
For one, students sitting in front of a computer screen all day are presented with more tools of distraction, such as electronic games, music, and social networking. In addition, some say the initiatives force computers into classrooms where teachers don’t have a good grasp on how to integrate them into their lesson planning. -BusinessWeek
I’d say there’s nothing much you can do about the distractions that a computer brings- other than restrict access to the internet or applications. However, kids will be kids and they will be distracted - computer or no computer.
Regarding the second part, teachers who don’t have a good grasp on how to integrate them into their lesson planning, this is where solutions planning comes into play.
Consumers no longer want incomplete technology answers, they want integrated business solutions. To illustrate, one company that’s been good at creating solutions is Apple: iPod + iTunes + Store = $$$!
Now, if we could port the same business model towards the educational system - of having one company integrate solutions, rather than wait for the markets to realize such opportunities, then we could reduce future integration costs of non-standard services and hasten development in the IT+Education sector.
how about now that we’re older? :p following the computation, that means by next year, I have to be exposed for just two hours per day? Ulk, I think I’ll be mutated soon coz I’ve been exposed to too much radiation since birth! 