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Logistics and support remain a huge resource intensive problem for any organization. To summarize a lot of arguments had internally in the project at that time

Logistics and support remain a huge resource intensive problem for any organization. To summarize a lot of arguments had internally in the project at that time: it was better to outsource as much of that as possible to keep the organization's focus and few resources on deployments and technology development, and the partners chosen for that role disappointed the staff, volunteers, and donors immensely (twice). Technology development went quite well, the deployments were wildly successful, and the "get XO laptops to rich world children" part didn't really get as far. The Vivitar tablets seem like a much better plan for the North American market and seem to be pretty successful so far. they are available (or were) at Walmart and can be ordered online from Amazon, et al. Of course the technology (and cost of parts) to do that weren't available then, and can many believe be credited as a success of OLPC. I just wish they ran Sugar.

protomyth 13y ago
"get XO laptops to rich world children" I must admit the phrasing of this makes me a tad bit mad. I'm actually at a loss for words to explain why and I believe it fits with why I see OLPC as a failure. Looking at it, what is the difference between the Vivitar tablets and something like the LeapPad Ultra? They both look like locked down tablets with pre-packaged lessons and lots of parent reporting and control. The LeapPad looks better supported.
- adricnet 13y ago
  It's provocative phrasing, in no small smart because I agree with your upset. And it is deliberate to motivate you (and I) to seek change. OLPC's efforts to link up with US school systems and do work here were hampered by the same local and national politics, entrenched interests, bad laws, and other ugly realities that hamper all such efforts. The difference between the xotablet and the LeapPad are myriad but not nearly as significant as the contrast between either and an XO. The very openness of the XO is intrinsic to its educational potential and that openness is a core objective of the project. That openness closed some doors and made them some powerful enemies but in exchange they created some things that may last a long time and be of use to a great many people. In a very real way OLPC's successes in other countries benefit all of humanity, and thereby directly helps children in US schools. Non-zero sum. Just not as fast as I (and I believe you) would like.

protomyth 13y ago

"get XO laptops to rich world children" I must admit the phrasing of this makes me a tad bit mad. I'm actually at a loss for words to explain why and I believe it fits with why I see OLPC as a failure. Looking at it, what is the difference between the Vivitar tablets and something like the LeapPad Ultra? They both look like locked down tablets with pre-packaged lessons and lots of parent reporting and control. The LeapPad looks better supported.

adricnet 13y ago
It's provocative phrasing, in no small smart because I agree with your upset. And it is deliberate to motivate you (and I) to seek change. OLPC's efforts to link up with US school systems and do work here were hampered by the same local and national politics, entrenched interests, bad laws, and other ugly realities that hamper all such efforts. The difference between the xotablet and the LeapPad are myriad but not nearly as significant as the contrast between either and an XO. The very openness of the XO is intrinsic to its educational potential and that openness is a core objective of the project. That openness closed some doors and made them some powerful enemies but in exchange they created some things that may last a long time and be of use to a great many people. In a very real way OLPC's successes in other countries benefit all of humanity, and thereby directly helps children in US schools. Non-zero sum. Just not as fast as I (and I believe you) would like.