Life after LTSP

[Intense Red]

   This is a fascinating discussion -- kudos.

 > It brings up the question: what about kids that can't afford their own
 > laptops?

   To me, considering the fact that the gov't is getting ready to slash 
every social program from social security to Medicaid, given the history of 
how poor communities/students are treated relating to public schools, the 
answer is clear: The poor students will be offered older, publicly-owned 
devices as charity, or simply ignored. I hope I'm wrong, but history and 
actions speak louder than words.

 > Also, who manages these systems?

   This is something I've dealt with already with special ed students and 
school-owned laptops. Advocates for the students insist on the ability to 
install any program they desire, and, not surprisingly, the administration 
of such machines is a time-sucking nightmare. I've found no solution given 
the politically correct concept that the student should be able to do 
anything their heart desires.

 > They don't belong to the school. We can't touch them.

   I've talked to some EdTech people who are already running into this. 
Presently, they are able to hold the line, but they know that the tide is 
turning.

   It's sort of the same issue with thumb drives spreading viruses and 
malware. If stable, consistently working systems are required, at some 
point a line has to be drawn that schools and students do not need to 
support every idea and device that corporate America sells.

-- 
Income tax rate for the median American: 1955 - 7.4%, 1961 - 10.2%, 1997 - 
16.9%, 2007 - 13.6%. Income tax rate for the 400 richest Americans: 1955 - 
51.2%, 1961 - 42.4%, 1997 - 24.2%, 2007 - 16.6%. Tax the rich anyone?
<http://www.toomuchonline.org/art_charts_2010/apr12_taxes.png>