Laptops a reality now for Uruguay kids

[Judi Lynn]

Laptops a reality now for Uruguay kids
Last Updated : 2009-11-22 12:09 PM
The Himalayan Times - Agence France Presse

LAS PIEDRAS: A laptop is now finding its place alongside a notebook and pen in schoolbags in Uruguay, the first and only country to offer Internet-connected computers to all public primary school students. In the small town of Poquitos, some 30 kilometres north of Montevideo, about 20 students study The Odyssey by singing, drawing and even rewriting Homer’s epic poem with the help of their apple-green laptops. Judging by the smiles, the pupils are loving this newfound way to participate in literature class.

“Here I drew the picture of Ulysses arriving on Calypso’s island!” exclaimed nine-year-old Facundo, pointing at his computer screen.

In all, 380,000 computers have been distributed free of charge to public school students and teachers in this South American country of 3.34 million sandwiched between Argentina and Brazil.

The decision has not always pleased the teachers. Some would have preferred to use the funds to reform the local school system or to increase teacher salaries.

But student enthusiasm has won them over and they now use the “XO” mini computers several times a week.

More:
http://www.thehimalayantimes.com/fullNews.php?headline=Laptops+a+reality+now+for+Uruguay+kids&NewsID=49135

[Peace Patriot]

1. God forbid the government should give anyone anything for FREE!

Grover Norquist must be appalled!

I wonder if this is what the Honduran coup military general meant when he said that, by their coup, they were "preventing communism from Venezuela reaching the United States."

They're all communists down there, south of Honduras--all the way to the Antarctic, where the Peoples' Republic of Penguins COMMUNALLY WARM THEIR EGGS!