Of course, even though the portable laptop eliminates the spatial constraints of one computer per student, this does not address the costs associated with hundreds of computer rather than the dozens currently acquired for an average school. However, wireless manufacturers are offering pricing that at least causes educators to give consideration to this possibility. Desktop computer vendors know that they cannot realistically expect to sell one computer per student to a school, so they have had little incentive to drive their pricing to a level that would make this possible. On the other hand, wireless manufacturers understand that the greatest instructional benefits of their technology in schools can only be realized if every student does have a computer, giving them a significant incentive to provide a product that is affordable on this scale. The choice is now one of priorities rather than price.
Wireless laptops can go home.
We know from many years experience with the Buddy Project here in Indiana that a computer in the home can promote significant learning and social gains, if the technology in the home is effectively managed and coordinated with the classroom. For years, the darkest side of technology in education has been the widening chasm between the haves and have nots. Students already advantaged by a stable home life, active parents, and the kinds of life experiences only money can buy have gained even greater advantages over their less-fortunate classmates with the addition of home computing. However, a school-provided laptop for every child promises to help balance this skewed playing field. The concept is pretty simple really.