In this current age of innovative technology, it is important to keep up with the latest inventions or as a result, risk falling behind the technological switch. From students learning on Apple products and “googling” their information for their research papers to placing their meal order through a computer at Wawa, we deal with some type of computer every day. It makes you wonder how we ever lived without a computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone. However, some countries such as Uruguay, Uganda and Peru do not have access to any of those technological gadgets, thus creating a “digital divide.” Many homework assignments now involve internet research and people in these countries cannot do searches on the internet, which offers a broader selection of information at the tip of your fingers. Also, to even get a job in the United States, many times you would have to fill an application out online or print out your resume from a computer. These are just some of the reasons why it is vital to have access to a laptop and internet in the United States and keep up with the world.
That is where the One Laptop per Child (OLPC) can be extremely helpful to those who are electronically disadvantaged. The OLPC, founded by Nicholas Negroponte, is a non-profit organization invented to help provide a child user-friendly laptop and internet access for those who have low-income all over the world. Mobile devices and smart phones are increasing throughout the world, which means even more people will conveniently have access to the internet in just the palm of their hands. This may cause children who do not already own laptops and internet access to either fall even more behind or help them gain access as it is cheaper to produce.
Nonetheless, you cannot solve the educational or digital bridge by just handing a person a laptop and internet access. Someone must teach them how to properly use it. The United States may be known for being technologically advanced, but we are also known for being too caught up in the internet. You may see kids who are 3, having their own Ipads to watch cartoons or student neglecting their studies, too distracted by Facebook or YouTube videos. This can be overcome by teaching them time management. There is a time to connect to people or find entertainment through the internet and then there is a time to learn through the internet.
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