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Old tech is not trash

By Ronah Harris, Teachers College/Sesame Workshop      Thursday March 15, 2007

One concern about introducing new technology and new tools, such as cell phones, game, electronic toys, and now affordable computers, is the expensive waste these tools create once they are no longer useful.
We work very hard to teach children how to integrate digital tools into daily rituals. We call this tech fluency, computer literacy, and the need to adapt to 21 century skills. Sadly we have to admit that these tools have a shelf life and beyond dissemination and use, we are also contributing to the every larger trach heaps in the deeveloping world.
Suggestion: Can we do somthing to teach users responsible disposal, and the environmental impact of insustainable tech?
I propose developing a space for this conversation to take place on the youth site. Either in the form of content - what to do when your machine is no longer useful (for the purposes of computing)... A game - How can you extend the life of your machine... Information: This is where your machine came from and this is where it should end (perhaps include a global call to return broken or used laptops 5 years from now to prevent additional waste).
I'd love to hear any of your comments about this idea.
Peace, RHarris

Comments

Thu, 2007-03-15 13:11 — Jason Wojciechowski, UN Millennium Campaign

How would this fit in a larger game?

Goal 7 is about Environmental Sustainability and I think a mini-game about these issues could be interesting there. The question becomes: what is the larger game framework that this and all the other MDGs fit into?

Maybe you could create a wiki page to discuss the disposal issue more and collect more links and information.

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