This is a fascinating discussion -- kudos. > It brings up the question: what about kids that can't afford their own > laptops?
To me, considering the fact that the gov't is getting ready to slash every social program from social security to Medicaid, given the history of how poor communities/students are treated relating to public schools, the answer is clear: The poor students will be offered older, publicly-owned devices as charity, or simply ignored. I hope I'm wrong, but history and actions speak louder than words. > Also, who manages these systems? This is something I've dealt with already with special ed students and school-owned laptops. Advocates for the students insist on the ability to install any program they desire, and, not surprisingly, the administration of such machines is a time-sucking nightmare. I've found no solution given the politically correct concept that the student should be able to do anything their heart desires. > They don't belong to the school. We can't touch them. I've talked to some EdTech people who are already running into this. Presently, they are able to hold the line, but they know that the tide is turning. It's sort of the same issue with thumb drives spreading viruses and malware. If stable, consistently working systems are required, at some point a line has to be drawn that schools and students do not need to support every idea and device that corporate America sells. -- Income tax rate for the median American: 1955 - 7.4%, 1961 - 10.2%, 1997 - 16.9%, 2007 - 13.6%. Income tax rate for the 400 richest Americans: 1955 - 51.2%, 1961 - 42.4%, 1997 - 24.2%, 2007 - 16.6%. Tax the rich anyone? <http://www.toomuchonline.org/art_charts_2010/apr12_taxes.png> -- edubuntu-users mailing list [email protected] Modify settings or unsubscribe at: https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/edubuntu-users
