Blog Post #4

The Digital Divide is when people are divided into two categories; the ones that are connected via computers and the ones that are not, thus leaving a gap. This gap is not as big as it used to be. The gap is getting smaller by way of activists and helpful organizations.

http://laptop.org/en/
One of the most involved organizations is One Laptop Per Child (OLPC). Nicholas Negroponte started this organization along with many media lab veterans. This organization provides laptops to children in developing countries. “We need people who believe in what we’re doing and want to help make education for the world’s children a priority, not a privilege,” Negroponte said.

The XO is designed specifically for rugged conditions and remote areas. It does not matter what language the child speaks, the XO will connect them. It teaches a child to share, explore and collaborate. The XO connects them to a brighter future.

The XO laptop is going for $200 per computer right now however, its goal price is $100. The XO includes five key principals which include: the child gets to keep the laptop, focus on early education, no one gets left out, connection to the internet, and the children are free to grow and adapt.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/17/technology/17laptop.html?scp=1&sq=digital+divide&st=nyt
Above is a link to an article that shares a couple examples of the advertising methods used. One of the methods is of a 7-year-old South African girl. It shows her face lighting up when the laptop lights up.

OLPCs main goal is to end the digital divide between rich and poor nations by using advertisements. OPLC cannot do this alone and this is why they are a non profit organization asking for help. You can either donate $399 to give an XO laptop and also receive one for yourself, or you can just donate $199 to give an XO to a child. Also all advertisements are donated by various media companies including News Corporation, CBS, and Time Warner.

The digital divide is decreasing and soon their will no longer be a gap between the rich and poor nations involving technology. Technology is rapidly increasing and it is what brings the world together. You can easily connect with someone who is halfway across the world via the internet. If a child from a third world country has access to this just image the possibilities.