[OLPC-Philippines] One Laptop Per Child: Vision vs. Reality

[Ryan Letada]

*into 21^st century learners,
Assuming this mission statement is to last potentially over 90 years,
perhaps something like "tomorrow's learners" or "fully-informed learners"
–Mel Chua*


First, if our non-profit organization last for more than 90 years, I think
we have failed at our mission. I was told that the greatest flaw of NGOs is
that they never die [or change].  They desperately try to stay a functioning
organization despite their outdated, and ineffective solution. I hope that
we don’t become this. Second, [brace for a bold statement] I hope we don’t
exist in 20 years. “Ownership” of this project really belongs to the
Philippines. As such, we should transfer this project over to the Department
of Education once we have shown why what we are doing is needed, and how to
effectively scale it. One great marker of a social enterprise is that it
changes policy. I hope that one day, a change [or creation] in policy will
help make ITC or innovative technology and learning as a natural/normal part
of the learning environment in schools throughout the philippines.

Lastly, regarding to 21st century [I am not an education expert]– some
students are still stuck in 19th and 20th century learning. In the
Philippines, many don’t have pencils, or text books [19th century]. In many
classroom, knowledge is imposed as opposed to constructed (20th century). I
hope that our approach will leapfrog them into the 21st century style of
learning. This is an emerging concept in academia, so please google it.

*I agree with James on this - "Also, I try to stay out of religious
discussions and I think we should, too" So maybe the inclusive clause should
probably be massaged or just taken out all together.” *

*-          **Cherry  *

I think its important to maintain “inclusiveness” as a value/principle. Many
developmental practices in the Philippines disregards the needs of
indigenous peoples and religious minorities such as muslim communities. This
does not mean that we will engage ourselves in religious politics. We are
just defining ourselves as an organization that offers the benefits of
innovations to all.

*I would like to keep "Open source" in the language. Sugar is open source
and so are its applications.  –Cherry*

I think we should maintain the language of Open Source as well. This is what
will differentiate us from other organizations who are utilizing technology
for their advocacy work. From a business perspective, being “open source”
will give us a competitve advantage over other non-profit organizations/CSR
initiatives. For starters, we will save money. By offering our learning
curriculums, and technological approach for free, we will be able to get
free, and invaluable feedback, which will help us refine our
methodology/approach. We will be able to help spread our learning/good
practices to others as well. Secondly, Mel keeps reminding us this is a
“community driven project.” No one owns it! Open source will allow us to be
transparent and better positioned to serve the community.

 *As a father, I can tell you that we transform nobody.  We can only
preparethem.  :) – James Shield.*

I believe that education should prepare and transform the youth of the
Philippines. Prepare, in the sense, that they should have the tools to
compete in an increasingly digital, globalised, and competitive world. These
include leadership, critical thinking skills, digital literacy, math, etc.
Transform, in the sense, of inspiring children to dream bigger for
themselves and their communities. As a researcher that works with urban poor
communities and evicted people, you will observe that many have stopped
dreaming, aspiring, or working for a better life. If u ask a child, what
they want to do in the future – many will say “work in a call center, become
a nurse, or go abroad.” Their dreams are very limited. Hopefully, through
our innovative educational approaches, we can break this widespread belief.
I may sound ideological, but I think we can really do this through
technological and learning innovations.

*What's the answer?  Content for the OLPC. –James?*

+1. We are not a laptop project,  we are an education project!!!!! –

Anyways, that’s some of my thoughts. Would like to hear for feedback. Cheers
guys!
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