First up

This is the new blog about MPReach and our efforts to reach people around the world with application of appropriate technology.  One of the key applications will be podcasting, both via the internet and RSS, as well as USB MP3 players and notebook computers, in the case of 3rd world countries.

A lot has been made of Nicholas Negroponte and MIT’s $100 notebook computer.  We applaud their efforts to educate the world, but our contention is that one has to be pretty literate to use a computer.  Research shows that up to two-thirds of the world are functionally illiterate.  If so, that is a tough hill to climb to have true usability in a $100 notebook in third-world countries.

 At MPReach, our attempt is to use low cost MP3 players and other such devices to educate and inform people groups that largely learn by oral means – either by necessity of oral tradition – or, by desire to stay attached to their past.

 Keep looking here for updates as to what we’re doing and the challenges that we find along the way.