The computers for pupils scheme that offers free PCs to low-income families is bundled either with a 3G modem and a data limit such as 4GB per month, or recipients take out ADSL contracts, so there is no issue of them running up a large phone bill (PC gone mad, letters.computing.co.uk).

As for them being able to afford an Xbox but not a computer, this might be true - but it is a sad fact of life that kids would rather have an Xbox than have a PC.

Providing a family with a PC not only encourages kids but the whole family to use IT. I believe the notebook is school property, so any loss is treated as losing school property in the same way as any other equipment.

I agree that giving away laptops in this way is not the best use of funds - especially as notebooks become useless piles of junk after about two years and often do not even last that long in the hands
of juveniles.

I would rather they were given PCs than notebooks, or the money was used to hire  a good teacher or provide teacher training. Giving away equipment is not  education; give a student a pen and you have a scribbler, but fire his or her imagination and you could have a Shakespeare.

Steve, submitted on the web