Is the genius of OLPC taking an idea for enlightening education to underprivileged and sourcing technology into an affordable laptop?
BENDER: The genius is having the will to think big rather than incrementally; to insist on a first-class learning experience for every child rather than offering them the Developed World’s leftovers.

OLPC was formed and began the manufacturing of its XO laptop in 2005. But as stated, the idea behind the laptop was to boost access to education and raise the general level of learning in developing countries. When OLPC was formed, there were no competitors for this market, as there are now. How do you feel about the situation? For what reason did the competitors not act earlier (i.e. lack of technology, prohibitive costs, or absence of the Nicholas Negroponte’s idea)?
BENDER: We started our design process in 2005 and after 10 iterations, began mass production at the end of 2007. The reason there wasn’t competition is because people didn’t think there was any profit to be made. It is still not clear that there is profit to be made, but that doesn’t stop people from trying.

The original concept pairs a tangible aspect, the XO laptop, with a bold idea, communal computing. You are empowering children with computers that by design are connected via a ‘Mesh network’: enabling them to easily share ideas, engage in each other’s activities. This creates a social element that is focused on education and learning. My question is; have you thought of how this model can be applied to other environments to solve different problems?
BENDER: We’ve had numerous discussions with the public-health sector, the economic-development sector, and the public-services sector.

Your website indicates that pilot programs show that children who have been marginalized experience heightened self esteem when they create something, and are able to share it with others. This phenomenon also changes the way society views them. Do you think you could find the same results in groups other than children? Could OLPC’s ideas be targeted towards them?
BENDER: Without a doubt, the same principles could apply to the elderly, women, displaced population, and other marginalized groups.

There has been discussion about a possible lack of qualified educators in developing countries to assist students with laptop computers. I believe you have countered that with a laptop design that actually encourages a self-taught learning experience. Are you seeking a paradigm shift in the delivery systems for educational learning in the world or is this targeted towards developing countries exclusively?
BENDER: Our model is to support “instructionism”, but to foster “contructionism.” Quite simply, you learn through doing, so if you want more learning, you want to facilitate more doing. A corollary is that “love is a better master than duty.” These principles are universal. The role of the teacher is akin to that of a mentor, not the source of information.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?
BENDER: We have a long road ahead of us. We didn’t think we’d be able to change the world overnight, but every step means more learning for more children.