Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Humans 2.0

Although Byte Me! Festival isn't specifically aimed at kids, involving young people and interesting them in creative use of technology is one of our goals. The small people watching Happy Feet today could well be the animators, digital FX developers, directors and producers creating the tenth sequel in a decade or two.

With that in mind, we're keen to do mini-me versions of Byte Me! Festival activities wherever we can. That will mainly be in the free interactive Interface Space, but may also include a screening and/or guest speaker Show n Tell.

These are very exciting times for computer-based education. With Negroponte's visionary work with the One Laptop Per Child Program (aka $100 laptop) there will soon be millions of kids in developing countries with their own computer. Software developers and educators can get involved in this revolutionary project - see the links listed here - to make a real difference and give a more equitable future to children all over the world.

For people who say 'don't they need food more than a laptop', don't underestimate the potential of knowledge to change peoples lives - eg William Kamkwamba, who built his first electricity-generating windmill at 14. Information on farming practices, disease control, safe drinking water, electricity generation... maybe you can't eat ideas, but they can sure help you to eat.

I'll get off my soapbox now ;)

Welcome to the future!

best,

kat black =^..^=