Markoff does a fine job of easing the reader into the concept of Nicholas Negroponte’s outside-the-box computer for the world’s underserved children. The vested interests snub the idea, having invested so much in more expensive, more conventional “cheap” laptops (especially those who don’t use Linux’s open source OS); the haves say the have-nots need something else, instead---which they aren’t likely to get. The resistance to a machine where children can take responsibility shows how ingrained is adult underestimation of the young mind: give the children in these five target countries these computers, and they will grow up with them as second nature, and focus on what they teach, rather than the medium that teaches them. ... More »

This is definately a good read about the One Laptop Per Child project and their high level goals. However, the article talks a lot about the laptop itself and the OLPC project, and not enough about the actual 'debate' referenced in the title.

Mr. Markoff was tasked with explaining technology to a generalist audience, all within the context of a policy debate. He succeeded with flying colors, clearly demarcating the policy debate and simultaneously explaining the innovations of the technology.

This is a highly informative article on Nick Negroponte's long-term vision for net access in the developing world. It presents a clear explanation of the radical cost-reduction needed to expand net access. It could have used sources from developing-world economists in addition to the World Bank person quoted.

I agree with the comment that it doesn't cover the debate but if you check the comments at the NYTimes web site you get a clear idea of what the debate is about. Short hand view is would the money spent on this for undeveloped countries be better spent on teachers and supplies. My answer is no we could not provide teachers , supplies etc for $150 per child .