Intel joins OLPC! What?!

In a surprising turn of events, Intel has joined Negroponte's One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Foundation. If you have been keeping up on current education news, you have probably heard about the OLPC project. Basically, OLPC wants to build laptop computers that cost less than $100 for distribution in third-world countries. It's a noble cause with the best intentions and I support the idea. The trouble began when Intel announced that it would be developing it's own "economically priced" laptop aimed at the same market. Obviously OLPC and Intel have differing views about the role of computers in education and how they want to impact education with their technology. It comes as no surprise that Intel and OLPC have argued and butted heads on this topic ever since their inceptions in 2005. The twist comes when Intel announced Friday that it was joining forces with OLPC. I believe that this is a step in the right direction because OLPC has the philosophical understanding to design a laptop that will provide the greatest results while Intel has the financial and marketing resources to build and promote a better product from day one. My only concern with this partnership is that Intel (or OLPC) have joined forces for the wrong reasons. Ultimately, this project is about improving education and providing all students, even in economically impoverished areas, more opportunities for learning. I think this follows closely on the heels of NCLB under the idea that all students should be allowed access to the same materials, resources, and opportunities, regardless of age, race, sex, or economic standing.

Source:
Markoff, John. (2007, July 14). "Intel, in shift, joins project on education." The New York Times. Retrieved July 15, 2007, from http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/14/business/14chip.html?_r=1&oref=slogin.

Tags: OLPC, computers, NCLB