I stumbled upon this video cast searching for a technology podcast for my IT 107 class assignment on iTunes and online. The interesting topic that caught my attention was how a simple learning game translates into a countries economic future by changing the games contained in an already low price computer.
If you watch the video link here:
Derek Lomas: Open Source Gaming
You can learn more about it.
Derek Lomas, director of the Playpower Foundation spoke about how developing and creating a simple touch-typing game can change a persons career in India from laborer to office worker by acquiring that simple skill. Moreover, Lomas talks about his experiences in India and other developing countries with the focus on a $12 computer that is currently being sold in the market. Furthermore, he elaborated the specification of the computer in his speech and how its possible for merchants to sell at that price. He stated that the games were enjoyable but not educational. He commented that if the games were such, it would help their economy by boosting them with skills such as, touch typing and mathematics. Thus, further empowering the society as a whole with knowledge and education through this $12 computer.
Not knowing anything about the Playpower Foundation prior to the podcast, you learn that organization is trying to develop an educational games to install with the existing $12 computers. The organization will also give the games for free to the manufacturers in order alleviate the implementation. Also, the foundation they are in need of funds and help for those willing to help their cause.
I agree with the mission that this organization has right mentality in empowering the youth and people through videogames. Also, that giving the manufactures the educational programs free will face no road blocks for selling the computers back into the market with the new programs. My main concern would be that the manufactures can raise the prices in order to make a profit and that Playpower should have an agreement to prevent that from happening. Otherwise, I have no other concerns with Playpower's mission.
Further Information:
PLAYPOWER is a non-profit organization designed to create free educational computer software for low income families in India and other developing countries. The games are designed to run on 8-bit systems, using a processor that is in the public domain, which allows the games to be run on very low cost computers. For $12, families can buy a compatible computer with an 8-bit, 6502 processor, a keyboard, a slot for game cartridges, a mouse, and two game controllers. Lacking its own monitor, the computer plugs into a TV screen for display.
http://playpower.org/
