Mission

  • Initiate and support one-to-one computing programs around the globe.
  • Promote digital literacy by developing laptop-based training and curriculum resources for teachers and students.
  • Conduct formal research studies that gauge the effects of laptops on the classroom environment.

History

Digital Literacy Project is a non-profit and officially recognized student organization of Harvard College that was founded in the fall of 2008. The organization addresses the digital divide by providing laptops and computer classes for schools around the world, allowing disadvantaged students to develop valuable technology skills.

DigiLit currently works with the low-cost XO laptop, a durable, child-friendly computer designed by the non-profit One Laptop per Child. We believe that the XO possesses great potential to elevate the education landscape both in the United States and abroad. But without adequate training for teachers and students, the capabilities of this award-winning laptop will be underutilized.



DigiLit was founded because it is not constructive to simply donate laptops to communities that lack technology experience. In order to create sustainable technology programs, laptop donations must be combined with training and curriculum resources. Our experienced team of 27 staff members leads on-site computer classes and works with teachers to develop exciting activities that maximize the educational potential of laptops. The overall goal is to seamlessly integrate the XO into the classroom, so that it becomes a powerful tool rather than a short-lived toy.

Since its founding, DigiLit has raised over 70 laptops and more than $20,000 in foundation seed funding. Most recently, we won first place in Harvard's annual business plan competition (social entrepreneurship track). With successful laptop programs thriving in Boston and Managua, Nicaragua, the team recently launched an online XO laptop education portal with One Laptop per Child Australia. This work has allowed DigiLit to develop a best practices laptop training and integration program that will serve as the foundation for upcoming projects.