Can a green machine help the world's poorest kids learn better? Nicholas Negroponte thinks so. He and his team of scientists have invented a new type of computer. As a result, many children who live in poverty (贫穷) will have their own laptop computers!
Negroponte works at a university. He started a group called One Laptop Per Child (OLPC). The people at OLPC don't work for money. They work to help children learn. OLPC makes computers that don't cost a lot. Then they sell the machines to governments of countries that have many people live in poverty. The governments then give the computes to kids for free.
The XO Laptop computers are made for school-aged children in developing nations. Many of these children live in faraway areas and go to schools with classrooms. In order to work, the laptops have to be lasting and student-friendly.
The machines have many fun characters like a built-in video camera, voice recording, and games. The WiFi lets students share information on the Web and read e-books. They also can make music and chat with friends.
Another great character is that it can last for a long time. It can be hand charged and also can be recharged by connecting to a solar panel. Because of these characters the XO laptops make learning fun while helping the environment.
The computers have a colorful name—"the green machine". Negroponte thinks they could make a difference in the lives of millions of kids. He says, "Every problem you can think of—poverty, peace, the environment—is solved with education."
OLPC plans to give out over ten million computers in the next few years. Kids in Thailand, Nigeria, Brazil, and Argentina will get most of them. China and Egypt also want to take part in the program. After that, Negroponte hopes to sell computers to other countries with high poverty.
