>>Are you talking about what happens with the old computers that are donated, or what happens to the NEW ones,
>
>I'm talking about both.

I kinda figured that. When my oldest was in Kindergarten and first grade, I heavily supported the fundraisers for new computers, thinking it was a terrific idea. Now I'm NOT participating -- let's get the arts and creativity back in the schools. The next generation of developers needs to think creatively and have a good "eye" for art (witness some horrific examples of graphical UIs/web pages!). They can learn computers *after* they learn how to read. Especially since the teachers are terrified of the things.

>>Besides, what do you do with 2 computers and a class of 30 kids
>
>That is my point. If you can find a way to make use of old PCs, you can have as many as you want.
>>
>>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!
>
>That's why I think it could actually work. However, another serious obstacle that occurs to me is creaky infrastructure. Can you plug a roomfull of old PCs into the outlets of some dilapidated inner city school buildings without burning them down?

Sounds like we ought to _recycle_ the old PCs and give the profits to the inner city schools! The city of Cary, NC, is contemplating adding curbside recycling of old computer parts--it's estimated that 85% of Cary households have at least one computer (national average is 35%), and that number will go up this winter holiday season. Cary sees this as a money maker. In yesterday's paper, they said that there's some recycling company that pays $8.50 for old monitors -- I wonder what the other stuff brings?? With the collection of spare parts that so many of us have collected over the years, there could be a substantial amount of money for lower-income schools. Hmmmm...might make an interesting Boy Scout Eagle Award or Girl Scout Gold Award project...

- della Martin