Video Games for Children Everywhere
As usual today it wasn’t so much one article in particular that caught my eye but rather the overlap that existed between several. MIT has gotten serious about building a $100 laptop for kids. But kids don’t want laptops, they want video game machines — especially portable ones. MIT’s whole point is that the computer is the perfect tool to “learn how to learn”. With thousands of texts online, information and all kinds of multimedia, it just seems obvious that getting cheap laptops to poorer children all over the world would be a fantastic way to create innovation and give a greater education to those less fortunate. I don’t disagree with this goal. Hardly. I think it’s an imperative. Giving children of Third World countries technology will least begin to close the gap between economies the world over and improve life for everyone.
I just think MIT has its form-factor wrong. The PSP is a great example of a computer that is lightweight, portable, rechargeable, rugged and maybe most importantly of all: engaging. It’s not just a video game machine either. With wifi and a web connection, virtually anyone, anywhere can engage. In fact, I think the PSP has another going for it besides having a better form-factor and being a serious computing platform: you don’t have to know how to read to use it. I’ve played more than my share of games in Japanese though I don’t read a word of it. You can still figure it out. Video games, for all their entertainment value, are still at the height of the usability curve.
It doesn’t take much imagination to imagine the kinds of educational video games that are possible for such a device. There aren’t a lot for the PSP just yet and frankly I think we’ve only begun to take the idea of the educational game to the level it could be taken.
Oh yeah. The PSP is $250. Sell them in bulk units of 1 million (as MIT plans to do with their laptop) with pre-loaded educational tools to governments and educational organizations and you could easily reach the $100 mark. I say give the kids what they want. Give them portable game machines!
P.S. If your only protest is “There’s no keyboard!” then I should like to point out that teenage girls in Europe are quite capable of typing on their cell phones. Kids learn quick.
You have a lot to say and a good opinion. Sure sign of a strong mind. I wonder if all the visiters to this sight are able to read the comments made by obsessive readers. That said, i simply must see you again and talk to you about ‘the mind.’ I have a very interesting story and I would like to get your opinion. Certainly, I am aware that you are not a neurologist but even so you have some insight into the topic and it would help me get a sence of direction to that which I seek to gain knowlege from. ‘T200iq@hotmail.com’ is where I may be reached. I hope i get a chance to see you and talk to you before i leave New York. It might help me with my problem so it would be more like your doing a mitzfa for me or community outreach. Thanks Russell. I apreciate any direct feedback. I receive the Magazine Wiered as well.
Anita
There’s NO KEYBOARD!
Ruzel- I am reading “The Failure of Phsycoanlysis.” Its really good. You might be interested in how it applies to your writing.
For example, last time you wrote on your blog, to my knowledge, was on the 7th of this month. I look forward to what you have to say. I wish to know what you have to express. I find it completly interesting but I just advise you to think about in terms of Phsycoanalisys. Choa, Ani
Video Games for Children Everywhere
Yes, give kids what they want!…