Technology Contest #4:Technology Reenvisioned
As one who builds and manages websites for clients, I am at home with many web technologies. These I respect for their role in enhancing communication.
Beyond the internet, where I work, there are simply so many other applications of existing technologies I barely understand. Yesterday I read about an example of one of these that has the potential to literally illuminate so many lives that it stopped me in my tracks.
Mark Bent took a simple concept, a solar-powered flashlight, and is putting it into the hands of people who need it most through distribution agreements with U.S. troops and international relief groups. His sales approach is simple: “Buy one, Give one.�
You can read about the idea in full at Newsweek, where I found it: A Glimpse of Light in the Distance, by Thijs Niemantsverdriet.
And if this idea inspires you, you can go to Mr. Bent’s site to purchase one of his “BoGo Lights� and read more about it.
This story has lead me to broaden the focus of this recurring feature on Loosely Speaking. After all, it’s creative visioning (or reenvisioning) that enables old and new technologies to be put to new uses for the greater good. So now we will call the spot the “Reenvisioning Technology Contest.”
So, this contest go-around is a request for other such technologies you have read about, so that we can spread the word and do our part as consumers to help get good products into circulation.
What does this have to do with the “Life of the Virtual Assistant?” Personally, working in isolation takes me out of the mix so much that it’s easy to forget there is a living breathing world out there beyond the ether. Taking time out to celebrate contributions like this reminds me of why I’m really here.
… speaking of Technology Contests:
Comment // November 12th, 2007 // 3:25 am
Have you heard of Nicholas Negroponte’s “One Laptop Per Child” program? I blogged about it on August 28, 2007. http://wiki.laptop.org/go/Home
Today OLPC is launching their give one, get one program. I’m thinking of trying this out, just because it is still my heart’s desire to go completely off the grid.
JJ Murphy
Comment // November 12th, 2007 // 12:05 pm
Thanks for the tip about today being the kickoff of the buy one get one (11/12 – 11/26, I think).
I had read about this, but hadn’t researched it. I love the idea; do you think the laptop would suit your needs? They seem like they are configured to work with child-sized hands. J.J., do you know any other folks who are trying them out for adult use?
Katie
Comment // November 12th, 2007 // 7:11 pm
I haven’t ordered the laptops yet. I do know that we are talking about a black and white screen, dial-up instead of high speed connection, and a few other limitations for those of us who have gotten used to faster technology.
One major issue is that most other countries have a better cell phone system, more power for less cost to the consumer. This is because most countries did not invest in a huge land-line infrastructure.
If I understand the whole communication situation in this country, the large corporations, like AT&T, were supposed to use the fees we have been paying them (and the tax breaks they’ve enjoyed) to develop a wireless communication system.
Instead they have been taking the profits and devoting their efforts to finding ways to create a two-tiered Internet access system.
I will keep you posted if I do decide to purchase one of these laptops.
Comment // November 15th, 2007 // 3:59 am
OK, the latest on OLPC. Having spoken to my tech answer specialist, I have learned that these child-friendly computers are not based on Windows. So you have to learn a whole new application system to use it. Kid-brains are amazingly flexible. I’m too impatient to go through that.
The target recipient, a third-world child, will not mind a black & white screen, dial-up connection or limited memory. For many of these children and their families, electricity and running water are not an option.
That said, I still think investing in the OLPC give one, get one is a wonderful idea for a child’s Christmas gift or birthday gift. What better result from a new toy than to know a child somewhere else in the world gets a computer he or she would otherwise not have?
As for me, the solution to taking my computer on a camping trip is to invest in a weatherproof, shock resistant carrying case.