Giving Rural Children Laptops: For or Against?
They tell me that they were still using typewriters in Peru in the late 90s. (That was the year I set up my computer with Windows 98). Each student brought their own typewriter to school for typing class. A row of old men with typewriters competing for business in various parks around Lima were in charge of producing the city’s official contracts, letters and documents.
Even today, tech guys in Huancayo get a lot of work doing tipeos (type-ups). Sometimes, people pay just to get their documents typed out faster, but there are still many adults who don’t have any experience with computers at all. In 2007, the Peruvian Ministry of Education joined the “One Laptop per Child” (OLPC) campaign. I was first introduced to the infamous XO laptops when I visited a friend of mine in Miraflores, a rural village outside of Huancayo.
These were some of the arguments:
1. Teachers weren’t being trained. I noticed this in Miraflores. The task for computer class was to copy what the teacher had written on the board and if there were any software problems, the teacher asked some of the more computer-savvy children in the class. I liked how the children developed independent problem-solving skills.
2. Laptops take time away from playing outdoors. It’s a strange sight, seeing a child in the middle of rural farmland with his or her fancy new laptop. Some parents even encourage their children to use their laptops at home to keep them occupied. Though still a relatively new phenomenon, we’re starting to see the development of couch potato habits.
3. Children devalue their hometown. Owning a laptop can make these children feel more equal to children in the big cities, but it also means that many children lose appreciation for their own village or lose respect for their less-educated village elders. Migration out of the Andes has long been an issue in Peru, but we can’t stop children from dreaming big.
What are your thoughts? Do the advantages of the OLPC campaign seem to outweigh the disadvantages? Do you feel strongly about any of these arguments?
I’d also love to hear about your experiences with technology when you were younger. =)
Tags: arguments olpc peru, computers for rural children, olpc south america, one laptop per child peru, poverty in peru, technology in peru, typewriters in peru
RAAckerman PhD EA
As one of the folks who has been donating his and his clients' computers to disadvantaged nations for more than a decade- and been participating in buying and shipping laptops (olpc, too), I believe in the process.
Yes, there is a possibility that the children will not play outside- if their parents abdicate their responsibility. Yes, there is a possibility that the child may be motivated to leave his hometown, since his eyes have been opened to the world.
But, the child may learn some valuable agricultural tips to help his folks make more money. Or, he may pick up (and modify) a marketing concept that can help his family.
I say- continue and expand the program.
My recent post How will I know when I get there
Samantha Bangayan
Some true advantages I hadn't thought about! It's not only about accessibility to information, but it's also about being key skills, such as problem solving skills. Just seeing the children problem solve with their computers seemed like such a valuable life skill that could indeed lead to further creative advancements. How inspiring to hear that you're contributing to OLPC. *High-five!* =)
Thanks for your thoughts, Roy. =)
Manuel
One problem I've seen regarding this is the black market sales of these laptops. I've been approached by people several times wanting to sell me these; and I've even saw one being offered at Mercadolibre.com. The inclusion of technology is still a fairly new phenomenon, and thus needs its due time to establish itself in the cultural life of each big or small township. Although there's a big risk of migration to larger cities, the underlying issue here is that teachers need to be trained to work with this technology better. The good thing is that new generations have already adopted the use of computers, so I think it's just a matter of time. A similar thing happened fifty years ago with the inclusion of the radio. People thought that radio and TV would endanger the lifestyle of rural population. History has proven otherwise, and I'm positive that it'll take a few decades for this new revolution to sink into being a regular trend.
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! Your comment was a post in itself, Manuel. =) Always love hearing your take on the situation.
You're right — I think this is a good example of project implementation with planning. Training is an important part to the effectiveness of the program. Imagine what more the teacher could have instilled in her students if she knew more about how to take advantage of the XO laptops. I couldn't believe they had webcams! =P
Haha! I can't believe people tried to sell them to you. =P And good point about the radio and TV. Since it's inevitable, I guess the point is to include campaigns on cultural sensitivity and the importance of outdoor activity alongside the OLPC project.
melissa_austin
I can kind of see the points when it comes to taking away from time spent outdoors. However, I am sure that things are vastly different there as opposed to how reliant we, in America, are on technology.
Samantha Bangayan
You can bet on that! =) From what I've heard, many children use their laptops outdoors. Maybe they even run around with laptops in hand. That kind of counts, I guess. =)
Maureen Hunter
Whilst there are always going to be issues for and against, I totally believe the value in providing these kids with access to computers will benefit themselves and their community in the long run.
I remember at high school we had a computing class, with seemingly very archaic and bulky equipment now, and the teacher saying to us – computing is going to be the future – and encouraging us all to get 'into it'. How right she was. That was in the early 70's
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! You're right, Maureen. We need to consider the future and technology advances so quickly! Your computer teacher was prophetic. =)
Hajra
I think it all depends on region, there are loads of cultural differences to be kept in mind. I have seen people in my country benefiting from the laptops given to them. The point to be kept in mind is how are they going to use it depend on them and they have the full ability to spread their expanse of knowledge. With a laptop, the realm of information available become widespread so it might compensate for a lot of books. Also, they can be taught to limit their time on their laptops. There are many ways to go about it, but I would definitely be a supporter of the process.
Samantha Bangayan
Exactly! Great to hear that there are positive examples in your country. It makes complete sense that usage will depend entirely on the user. With more planning, this project could be more streamlined! =)
Thanks for stopping by, Hajra. =)
@janesheeba
Hi Samantha,
Well, I lost a long comment I typed earlier. I am typing something again similar.
Laptops actually cause serious side effects. Distractions are one side of the story while health effects are another bigger issue. Using laptops can cause serious long term effects.
Having said that, if we educate the children about the goods and bads of using it, I think it can be a boom.
Cheers,
Jane.
My recent post How Often Should You Update Your Blog
Samantha Bangayan
How frustrating! I hate it when my comment disappears. =S Sorry that happened on my site.
You bring up a good point about health effects, Jane. Thanks for mentioning that. Good point about awareness, so families can make their own educated decisions! =)
Thanks for your comment, Jane. =)
Deeone
I would say that I am for it… The world wide web has a lot of great information that one normally wouldn't come into contact with, if there wasn't access. I think the children there could benefit from it, indeedly. Along with that, however, there should also be included a lesson of some type in moderation.
My recent post Twitter Blackbird Pie Just Got Even Sweeter
Samantha Bangayan
That's true! Maybe these computation classes could start with awareness workshops. If all teachers were trained, they could make sure students used their laptops wisely. Thanks for your thoughts, Deeone. =)
@AllieRambles
I come from a country where opportunity is the "motto". My own grandfather came from Mexico at the turn of the century for opportunity. And many before and after him, from everywhere. It is in our blood to take opportunity and run with it, even if it involves other countries. (This has gotten our country bad rap sometimes.) I live by this motto because of my grandfather. As long as the opportunity is legal and moral, I take it.
Technology like this is an opportunity for these children to be equal with many other children around the world. They are given a choice. As long as the parents and government allow choice and opportunity, I don't see anything wrong with furthering education to become an equal with peers around the world.
I am American speaking. Many other cultures have a different view of this opportunity, such as you stated. Opportunity can also produce neglect in the necessary. The key, like you stated, is education and balance.
This is a hard debate. Culture is so important and many cultures are gone because of technology. The Spanish came with large ships and guns and wiped out cultures in their wake. (Yes, I know pox did that but technology allowed them the opportunity.) BUT like the past, humans crave to move forward and technology is the key.
I wish all the children there luck in their journey through life.
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Samantha Bangayan
Allie, I was so excited to get to know you more through your comment. Amazing how your history is also tied to immigration.
It's true that the key point here is choice. These families and children should at the very least have the option of obtaining this opportunity. I love how you mention balance. Everything in moderation, right?
The funny thing about "moving forward" is that I don't think all humans/cultures are like that. I've learnt a lot about the difference between a "linear" and "cyclical" world view recently. North Americans are very "linear" — goal-setting, advancement and progress, while Native Americans (and to a lesser extent, certain groups of South Americans and Asians) live their lives more "cyclically" — time is less important and the focus is on the community. I guess that's a key part of the debate: should we force technology on communities that don't care for it?
Thanks for bringing this up, Allie! I really value your opinion! =)
@AllieRambles
You are correct and that is why I threw in that my concept that one from US could be different.
I still believe as human beings we want to move forward. Our brains drive us and that makes us different than any other animal.
Culture dictates or chooses that the humans within it move cyclical or linear. But when an outside force (technology or climate) presents itself our biology reacts to it and quite possible can change culture for the better or worse. While other animals go extinct, we move forward. That is the beauty (and sometimes not) of our species.
Eek! I am not trying to debate or change the subject. I just haven't talked cultural anthropology is almost 15 years and it feels GOOD! I hope you forgive me. 🙂
Thx for listening.
My recent post Blogging Blunders I Made and You Should Avoid
Samantha Bangayan
On the contrary — I am ecstatic that you share my newfound interest for cultural anthropology. =) When I mentioned that I was auditing classes at the local university, they're actually my very first classes in anthro!
Now that I think about it, you're probably right that as a whole, we as humans want to progress; otherwise, "developed countries" wouldn't even exist. It's so intense to imagine the impact of introducing technology. This may be an issue much larger than the OLPC campaign imagined.
You are amazing, Allie! Thank YOU for listening and sharing. =)
Jayne Kopp
Hi Samatha, lovely to meet you. I think allowing the kids (and adults) to have laptops is a good idea.
I understand fully that the parents don't want their kids to turn into couch potatoes, but that is where they have to set limitations at home.
Technology around the world is evolving at the speed of sound, and I think we don't really have a choice but to get on board. What happens in the childrens future if they have no exposure to technology? They won't be kids for ever. They might leave their home country and will almost definitely need skills to survive.
I would be OK in some ways if the world had not become so technologically advanced… but it has. On the other hand I feel blessed and grateful for all the conveniences and the ability to learn so much from the comfort of home.
It is a toss up, but as they say… if you can't beat em, join em. I think the kids should have the tools that will almost definitely help them in the future… unless of course they never leave the home.
Jayne
My recent post The power of visualization – Is It Real or Am I Crackers
Samantha Bangayan
Jayne, it's great to meet you through the CM tribe! =)
I love how you bring up gratefulness. Seeing these communities just start with laptops has me thanking the stars over and over again for how lucky I've been and all the opportunities I've had.
You bring up a good point about necessity too. If these communities are so rural and have no desire of expansion or advancement, then maybe they wouldn't even care for laptops. But for the children that may have the slightest opportunity and interest to leave home, they'll need the skills!
Thanks for your thorough thoughts, Jayne. =)
@StephensHeather
Hi Samantha,
Oftentimes progress is difficult and there are always people against it, but when it comes to learning a skill that could feed a family, I think it's a good thing. I agree with Roy, that parents need to keep their kids under control with the amount of time spent on a computer…just like parents in the US need to control the amount of time kids spend watching tv or playing video games.
Interesting discussion!
Heather
My recent post A Marketing Lesson- Standing Topless in Front of My Church Group
Samantha Bangayan
That's a really good point, Heather! There are always going to be people who struggle against any type of change. Interesting thought about including parent education in the campaign as well. Change affects everyone and these are communities in which families are especially important. Everyone should be involved! =)
Thanks for stopping by and sharing your insights, Heather! =)
Martha Giffen
Kids won't play outside if given a computer? Are you kidding me? We are going to deny computers for this silly reason? Do we advocate libraries? How about books? Computers are like having the world at your fingertips. If we want to keep a society down, let's not let them have what everyone else has. Good gosh, is it OK for them to read??
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! It seems silly when you put it that way, Martha. =) I liked what Heather mentioned about how people will always be against change. People may come up with whatever arguments possible to resist change.
Thanks for sharing your opinion, Martha! =) Can't wait to head over to your website!
Martha Giffen
Change is good. At least, in this case 🙂
mattoftheworld
Great post samantha.
I really agree with what Allie said above.
I really don't see much difference with the issue of kids having laptops in Peru then kids having one in Canada or any other country. The same issues exist. I think it's great that they have the opportunity to learn and to experience new technology, however, that doesn't mean that the school systems and parents can neglect their responsibilities and use it as a babysitting tool.
It can be part of their lives but with limits as everything else. Children still need to learn to read and write on paper, to exercise, to socialize with other kids.
Too many kids back home are put in front of a TV so that parents don't have to watch them or find something for them to do. There is always a kid stuck to his gameboy, or psp( i think? uff that might be a sign im getting old)…I think this is an issue everywhere and its the parents and teachers jobs to put limits.
My recent post Lose the expectations Enjoy the ride
Samantha Bangayan
That's true! When you put it that way, Matt, it seems like the media may be exaggerating the effects. There is still a lot that children are learning in and out of schools!
I guess one of the big differences is that it hasn't really happened yet in Peru, so the concept of kids having laptops is new and people don't know how to deal with it. It's exactly why, as you say, the adults need to be responsible for the effects and consequences.
Thanks for your ever-insightful thoughts, Matt!
P.S. I also don't know what the latest video game console is. =P Haha!
@AllieRambles
Thx Matt,
I think I was trying to say what you just said, I just got sentimental about it.
Children all over are the same, they play and learn. The children in rural Peru should have opportunity to have technology.
It is up to the adults to keep things in check.
My recent post Blogging Blunders I Made and You Should Avoid
Devesh
Hi Samantha,
What an interesting article. You've made great points. I think it's an awesome to allow children's to have laptops. I don't see any reason for why parents should stop their kids from using laptops.
Here in india, I don't think parents would give their kids laptop any time soon.
Anyways, Thanks for sharing this great article Samantha.
~Dev
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! It's interesting to imagine the differences. In a way, Peru and India share many similarities. In fact, OLPC has already taken parts of India by storm, including near Navi Mumbia, Bangalore and New Delhi! =)
Thanks for your thoughts, Dev! =)
Tisha Matthews
Hi Samantha,
This can go either way, providing a good or bad experience in their community. The only way for a good outcome to come from the kids using these laptops is, education. There should be a parent, teachers meeting about how to teach the children to use their laptops appropriately, meaning applying time management with the use of laptops and the dangers of the internet.
So, I say yes for the program to continue.
This was very interesting…I've been seeing these laptops in commercials lately but I didn't know what they were really about.
~Tisha
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I'm surprised that you've seen these laptops before. I had never heard of them before I visited the rural village nearby.
What a stellar idea to have parent-teacher meetings. As such, the OLPC campaign would encourage more holistic interaction in the education system! =)
Thanks for stopping by, Tisha. So glad we're in touch! =)
My recent post Giving Rural Children Laptops- For or Against
@CatPeru
I live in Ayacucho and I'm all for laptops. In rural areas schooling is very poor and in the city it's not that good. Teachers here are the least educated of all professionals and many have been to technical colleges rather than university. They are very often from poor backgrounds themselves and have only rudimentary literacy and numeracy skills themselves. My husband teaches secondary education in the Universidad Nacional San Cristóbal de Huamanga and I've worked in alongside teachers in secondary schools here so I'm very familiar with the standards of teachers. In the countryside this is compounded by one teacher for a variety of age groups and also a shorter week as many teachers return to their homes on Friday and so there are no classes that day.
@AllieRambles
Going by what CatPeru has stated, laptops will be a very valuable asset in education not only for the children of this area but for Peru. Maybe laptops and opening to the world through, it can up the educational standards.
My recent post Blogging Blunders I Made and You Should Avoid
Samantha Bangayan
CatPeru, thanks so much for visiting and sharing another valuable snapshot of Peru! I had an inkling that teachers in rural areas were not very well educated, but I didn't know how low their level of education could be. I've worked in rural areas all over the Mantaro Valley and have not heard of Fridays off, but I can very well imagine that many don't have the kind of education that secondary school teachers have in North America. I also love what Allie added — maybe laptops can indeed help increase educational standards for everyone involved in and touched by the campaign! =)
Chat again soon, gals! =)
Stacy
Hi Samantha,
This is a topic that I am not very familiar with, I had not even heard of that program. It sounds like there are pros and cons to both sides. It sounds like the parents over there are faced with similar concerns as parents here: kids spending too much time on them, etc. It's all about learning the right balance and not going too far to either extreme.
Stacy
My recent post Where is Your Confidence Taking You
Samantha Bangayan
Actually, I hadn't heard of the program either until I accidentally found myself in my friend's computer class. =P You're definitely right about balance though! Extremes are when things get dangerous.
Thanks for your comment, Stacy! =)
My recent post Giving Rural Children Laptops- For or Against
Abe Palmer
I found you Sam,
Touchy subjuct you picked. I enjoyed reading the other comments but the one factor most everyone couldn't connect with is you are talking about villages in Peru. Culture proud and in many ways still withstanding living conditions far beyond comprehention. Most of these schools severally lack the funds to have the basic needs for school supplies yet alone being organised to levels we are a custom to. Although what we may think to be a good thing (OLPC) doesn't mean that the questions being raised concerning this matter is wrong. As a parent in the US I can see the importance for the education pupose of betterment for the child. The kids will adapt well. The parents are the ones that will need educated with this matter. They may resist for a while but they will come around much like the Studies you conducted in your 2008 internship regarding mothers and their child nuetrician and behavior.
Samantha Bangayan
Yay! You found me, Abe! =)
Hey, you really bring up a good point there — organization and school supplies are definitely lacking. Now, imagine bringing high-tech laptops into the mild chaos! Kids are flexible little humans, indeed! But you also make a really good connection — this IS very similar to the project I was involved with in 2008 and the rural mothers DID respond very well to educational workshops! =) I hadn't even thought of that. =P
You are ever so insightful, Abe. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! I can't wait for you to get here! =)
My recent post Giving Rural Children Laptops- For or Against
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RowenaBolo
Hi Sam,
First of all, I feel bad that I get to comment just today. I had to do some chores the past few days as we had to transfer to another house. And I was also busy arranging for my upcoming trip. Alright, enough of the excuses, coz I truly love your blog 😛
Hmm, I can remember that during the early 90's, I was so happy to be able to use an electronic typewriter for the first time! (not sure if you went through this technology, hehe)…but, yes I knew how to use typewriters as well (i know my fingers would hurt so bad from using them 🙂 )…It's funny but I can totally relate to everything you're sharing here. When I was in college (around '97), internet shops and services such as typists,/MS Word formatting, were such a hit, as during this time, a lot still don't have their own PCs (back in the Philippines).
I am familiar with OLPC, and the first time I heard about this , I was truly touched. I can just imagine the happiness that it brings to each and every child that gets the laptop. I would like to think more about the many benefits and opportunities it brings. But when you pointed out about the fact that these countries (with OLPC), don't have enough trained teachers, then this could potentially be an issue. Guidance and mentoring is always key to implementing anything new , especially when technology is involved.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us, Sam. I feel that through your blog, I get to see different viewpoints, as well as various , but interestingly similar cultures.
– Rowena
My recent post Three Top Reasons Why Entrepreneurs Fail Pt 1
Samantha Bangayan
Rowena! Don't ever worry about when or if you get a chance to comment. I'm just glad to see your smiling face here. =) And thanks for the kind words about my blog!
My dad had an old typewriter, so I know what you mean about the fingers hurting! =) Wow! It's so interesting to hear about the similarities in the Philippines, especially regarding typists, and it's funny to imagine how Internet Cafes evolved in the Philippines.
You really bring up a good point about guidance and mentoring, Rowena. Progress and advancement should always be accompanied by support. But you're also so right about the smiles on children's faces! I know the children I met were ecstatic when they heard that the teacher would be bringing out the XO laptops!
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences, Rowena! =)
wwelvaert
It seemed like the program was more government propaganda than anything else. There were many laptops given to children who don't have electricity in their homes. I think there are a lot of "low hanging fruits" that the government could have invested in, like teachers in the VRAE, instead of the laptops.
Samantha Bangayan
I had no idea about this, Ward! Thanks so much for sharing your experiences in the Cusco area. Better educated teachers seems to be a good solution although investments seem to go to weird places here. =P I mean, just imagine how much they spent on all the political campaigns! =)
Ward, I really appreciate your visit! =) So glad we're in touch and can't wait to hear more about life in Cusco through you and your lovely wife! =)
Writing 4 Effect
It never ceases to amaze me how behind the times some countries are. On the other hand, however, it is amazing the challenges new technology presents. In our country, children are introduced to the computer and Internet at a very early age. They still have recess in elementary school, but attend computer classes, too. I also see children playing outside in the neighborhood after school, during school breaks and in the summer. I honestly can say that in U.S. society — at least, in my neighborhood — the computer hasn't hindered the socialization and interaction of young children. Now, that's a different story as they grow older into teenagers and adults!
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Samantha Bangayan
Haha! That's so true! =) Looking back, classroom computers were uninteresting to me in primary school because I loved being around all of my friends. I definitely looked forward to spending recess out and about, rather than with a computer.
It'll be interesting to see how the changes slowly happen here in the rural communities. =)
Thanks so much for sharing your insight, Sherry! =)