OLPC

The One Laptop per Child (OLPC) initiative was a non-profit project launched in 2005. Its primary goal was to provide low-cost, rugged laptops to children in developing countries. The vision was to offer a tool for education and empowerment, enabling children to learn, connect, and create. The iconic OLPC laptop, often referred to as the "XO" laptop, was designed to be durable, energy-efficient, and affordable, costing around $100 per unit.

Key features of the OLPC laptop included a sunlight-readable screen, a low-power processor, and a webcam. The operating system was a Linux-based distribution, and the laptops came pre-loaded with educational software and games tailored for children. The project emphasized a "learn to learn" approach, encouraging children to explore and discover through interactive content rather than rote memorization.

OLPC partnered with various governments and organizations to distribute the laptops. While the project did not achieve its initial goal of mass deployment, it significantly influenced the landscape of educational technology and affordable computing. It inspired other initiatives and manufacturers to develop similar low-cost devices for educational purposes. The project also fostered research into the impact of technology on learning in resource-constrained environments. Although the active development and distribution of new OLPC hardware have largely ceased, its legacy continues to shape discussions around digital inclusion and educational equity.