The "One Laptop Per Child" initiative (sometimes referred to as the $100 laptop project) is a fascinating idea, one that I've followed quite closely for the last couple of years.

The brainchild of Nicholas Negroponte, the OLPC initiative focussed on creating an affordable, accessible computer for students in the third world. Obviously, the implications for throughout the world can and will change how education happens.

Now, finally in mass production, the OLPC program is in full swing. You can learn more about it here.

The project has run into many challenges, and currently, the biggest challenge to the project is cost. As a result, they have proposed a very interesting solution: buy one, give one. You can learn more about this limited time offer here.

This project is the leading edge of an innovation I've been touting for quite some time. Currently, technology in the education system in Canada is oriented around the computer lab, or the idea of a computer common to many students. I beleive in the near future students will utilize individual computers, ones they carry with them from class to class, home and school alike. The swift progress of wireless access only helps push this idea forward.

If that projection comes true, what implications are there for schools and students alike? I'm happy to say I've been involved in several interesting discussion about the pros-cons and possible stumbling blocks of this idea.

The CBS news show "60 Minutes" aired a story on OLPC in August, 2007. You can view this story here. Well worth the 12 minutes.

As always, your comments are welcome.