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

[Marife Mago]

Here's my two cents worth regarding all these buzz about OLPC's vision and
other Non-profit organization on ambitious projects...I for one is also
skeptical about this project, even when I first learned about  OLPC
project.  However, I also thought and realize how technology opportunities
change the lifestyles of the Philippines now....like if you compare the
opportunities before.....*change like this   will never transpire without
the people who invested higher risk projects*...same also in the vision of
OLPC ....if nobody will  risk higher things like this how do you think these
people who would want new perspective and development in life would ever
achieved such? I know we can't do everything but we can do something great
and small.

I really appreciate that we have the  chance to discuss all these as this is
very crucial and help us really identify who we are, what we want and where
we are.

Let's keep all these blunders coming.

Thanks everyone..

Cheers,
~mafe

On Thu, Jun 18, 2009 at 5:04 AM, Ryan Letada <rletada at gmail.com> wrote:

> *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 functioning organization despite their outdated, and ineffective solution.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 (20thcentury). I hope that our approach will leapfrog them into the 21
> st 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!
>
> _______________________________________________
> OLPC-Philippines mailing list
> OLPC-Philippines at lists.laptop.org
> http://lists.laptop.org/listinfo/olpc-philippines
>
>
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