>What actually happens after the schools get them? A lot of computers are never put to good use in schools because teachers and staff don't know what to do with them, or because dysfunctional administrations can't set up or even keep track of anything. But I see no reason why old computers couldn't be used in schools for teaching the basics of actual programming (rather than for running lame multimedia educational CD-ROMs or whatever they do nowadays). It would work better in poorer schools that weren't full of jaded rich kids who had P900s at home.

Are you talking about what happens with the old computers that are donated, or what happens to the NEW ones, bought with endless fundraisers (wanna see my collection of coupon books, magazines, and wrapping paper?)???? With the adults I've dealt with in the elementary school (teachers, administrators, and volunteers who know enough to be dangerous), very few of these computers are getting used for ANY purpose because the adults don't have a clue what to do with them. Besides, what do you do with 2 computers and a class of 30 kids? (My solution of "make a computer lab and hire a computer teacher" apparently became an offer of "I'll do it!" -- and thankfully I moved shortly thereafter, and the new school system does have labs ).

Personally, I think the schools should harness the next generation of geeks -- I think my 4th grader and 6th grader can run circles around the average adult, so let them show the adults what can be done!

- della