One Laptop Per Child (OLPC): A Novel Computerization Movement?

Kenneth L Kraemer,Jason Dedrick,Prakul Sharma

doi:10.1109/hicss.2011.327

Kenneth L Kraemer, Jason Dedrick + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1109/hicss.2011.327

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Publication Date: Jan 1, 2011
Citations: 16	License type: cc-by

Affiliation: Syracuse University, University of California, Irvine

Abstract

This study applies concepts about computerization movements (CMs) to a case study of the diffusion of innovation in the developing world and thereby to draw lessons for undertaking similar technology projects. We identify the key characteristics of a computerization movement in the scholarly literature and then review the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) Project in terms of each, identifying where OLPC adds new understanding about CMs. The OLPC project is an example of a computerization movement that has launched a new generation of low-cost computers in the developing world, while failing in its own ambitious goals. The OLPC project provides insights into the nature of computerization movements, in particular the process of mobilization, the diffusion of innovations in the developing world, and the overlap of multiple movements. OLPC's limited success to date illustrates the importance of having: (1) financial resources beyond deployment for economic sustainability, (2) local skills, infrastructure and deployment capability for operational sustainability, and (3) a replicable and scalable deployment model for ease of implementation across many sites.

Highlights

In January 2005, Nicholas Negroponte unveiled the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) program
The OLPC project is a classic example of an initiative that started what Kling and Iacono [11] call a computerization movement (CM)—a kind of technosocial movement that mobilizes individuals and institutions towards a utopian vision of using computers for reform and betterment in society
Our analytical approach was to identify the key characteristics of a computerization movement (CM) from the scholarly literature and to review the OLPC Project in terms of each, identifying where OLPC adds new understanding about CM concepts or reinforces existing concepts

Summary

Introduction

In January 2005, Nicholas Negroponte unveiled the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) program. The OLPC project is targeted to the 4 billion people that live on less than $2 a day—the so-called “base of the pyramid” that Prahalad [17] and others argue represents a great market opportunity for business. The OLPC project is a classic example of an initiative that started what Kling and Iacono [11] call a computerization movement (CM)—a kind of technosocial movement that mobilizes individuals and institutions towards a utopian vision of using computers for reform and betterment in society. The CM framework has been used to analyze different movements like urban information systems, office automation, personal computing and open

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