First the referenced site:
http://www.hhptf.org/
And, quoted from above referenced site 05.19.08 EST:
One view of the One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) program and its changing fortunes:
There has been far more outrage online over the news that the OLPC may switch to Windows from its version of the free Linux operating system than over the discovery that hardly any of the laptops, originally to be deployed in no quantities smaller than 1m a country, will ever reach the poorest children.
The collapse of the scheme illuminates the utter falsity of the hope that technology alone can lift people out of poverty. Knowledge may, but the technology that spreads knowledge best is literacy, not laptops.
Firstly, excellent online resource for librarians, and others interested in the materials presented. Secondly, the title of these postings – “Hunger, Homelessness & Porverty Task Force” from an ALA Round Table Discussion, gives me a moment to reflect on exactly what is being presented in this post. One distinction to keep in mind is that the OPLC is not a catalog system…it is a program called One Laptop Per Child.
Having noted that…a personal observation. Yesterday I found an excellent resource for teaching English that was straight-forward, to the point, and presented well. As an example of excellence, the TESOL program identified all of the key issues – for their program.
I thought to myself – wow, they have it going on. Sortof. But, it is “scoped”, organized, and a better practice than many on a “global” level. The groundfloor of my research has opened up and I think of these things, as I type. And, I’m left with one thought – we can’t eat laptops; conversely, it is unseemly to eat the TESOL worker…lol.
Now, I think I’ll make a pot of a strong brew and continue with my experiential project…It’s got the makings of a very inexpensive way to introduce a, well, you have to join the group to know that…God Bless America.
One more time, as I raise my hand in my mind – yes, Literacy before laptops makes sense, but we have ways in ProLiteracy methods that can maximize this potential – fuck the agenda, and get back to basics – we’ve got technology on all levels – that’s the issue. How do we share this…by sharing information with experts and coming to agreements that are not based on big money agendas, but appreciating all the money that does flow into the efforts.
Every volunteer will tell you – they love their job (most of the time…giggles)…and, the “tags” are teasers!
New application to a an old pic…Real EZ and Fun!
May 11, 2008
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL USA
A cyclone devastated the lives of over a million Myanmar residents. However, the government of Myanmar is slow to help pick up the pieces.
Urge the government of Myanmar to cooperate with the international community in the distribution of humanitarian aid.
http://www.amnestyusa.org/page.php?id=356Reference Source: http://www.amnestyusa.org/emails/myanmar.htm
Dear Supporter,We’ve been closely watching the devastation in Myanmar caused by Cyclone Nargis for nearly a week now. Despite the disaster, Myanmar’s government keeps the country on lockdown. Only a handful of flights offering assistance have been allowed in. Relatively few resources like food, water, medicine, blankets and tents have been given out. Call on the government of Myanmar to distribute humanitarian aid to victims of Cyclone Nargis.
Call on the government of Myanmar to distribute humanitarian aid to victims of Cyclone Nargis.
http://www.amnestyusa.org/page.php?id=356Our hearts go out to the victims of this terrible tragedy. The cyclone has killed thousands of people and more than a million have been displaced from their homes. Myanmar’s government must work with international relief efforts to help the victims of Cyclone Nargis by:
-granting access to humanitarian aid workers into Myanmar by easing visa restrictions and customs procedures
-allowing professional relief workers to offer assistance without restriction or interference
-establishing clear and transparent guidelines for delivering aid that are based on need; not race, gender, national or social origin, political opinion, or religion
The people of Myanmar must focus on putting their lives back together. Tell the government of Myanmar to help pick up the pieces — ensure that cyclone victims receive humanitarian aid.
http://www.amnestyusa.org/page.php?id=356
Sincerely,Larry Cox
Executive Director
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Here is a pic from a simulated, virtual environment in Second Life. The Artist inspired the photoshoot, and the reference guide (see link below) provided additional insight in how I see flowers, friends, and all those that seek to see the truth in freedom of expression. A bit much? Well, just a few thoughts to pic…smiles.
…Well, I made you take time to look at what I saw and when you took time to really notice my flower you hung all your own associations with flowers on my flower and you write about my flower as if I think and see what you think and see of the flower – and I don’t. - Georgia O’Keeffe Reference Source: http://www.artcyclopedia.com/artists/okeeffe_georgia.html
You may also use this link to the photo edit I did with Picnik (Note: Use of online resources used without premier accounts: Second Life, flickr, Picnik – all three resources currently are free, basic or group memberships (including guest) as well:
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/2329142537_5f0fe67119_m.jpg
And, it was fun!
I’ve added a tag called “Second Life Reference”
March 11, 2008
If interested, please help organize these references for librarian / educator / patron use. I believe that it is easiest to use the traditional reference methods, as learn to understand the importance of catagorization of Bibliographical Reference Materials.
Love to hear more from folks that work with meta tagging, as well. The “hive” intelligence is just too difficult to keep in check, and it is not our foundation of learning, as professionals. However, we can enhance our systems by sharing sound search principles in combination with digital preference…we may harness a collective effort of combining “tags”, enhanced global standardization, and easier access to organization of many types of resources.
Just another issue in defining the web for easier access – if it isn’t our job as librarians and educators, then who holds the key to the digital portal? In WordPress blogging, here is a good place to start and move forward – go to the FAQ on “tags” : The best place to find out more about what others feel about tags and categories is in the forums.
Shirley
Amnesty International Online Library – USA Org site and more!
June 1, 2008