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In an amazing experiment a Delhi-based IT professional has proved that
kids can learn computer skills on their own. Over the years the results of
Dr. Mitra’s experiments have been so spectacular that the National
Geographic Channel has made a film on his unique research.

Again, to his surprise he discovered that the slum kids
quickly taught themselves how to surf the Internet, read news and download
games and music. Dr. Mitra then replicated the experiment in other
locations, with the same results---within hours the children would teach
themselves how to use the Net.

Critics of one-to-one laptop programs in the United States say the computers facilitate more in-class distraction (instant messaging, MySpace, and so on) than learning, that they allow children access to inappropriate content, and that the benefits of constant access are so far unproven. Do you share those concerns?

We do not share those concerns, but that is not to say they are not real issues. Our kids in Cambodia learn English using chat and MySpace. Children are distracted if the teaching is not interesting. One education minister just said to us, about the $100 laptop, "Finally, education will include learning."