Matt Keller/OLPCAn Ethiopian boy uses the rugged, Internet-connected laptop computer designed and distributed by 'One Laptop Per Child'.

One laptop per child

In 2000, Negroponte left the Media Lab to start "One Laptop Per Child." The non-profit group designed, and is now trying to get, a rugged, affordable laptop Internet-connected computer into the hands of every child in the world, especially in developing nations.

With one and a half million laptops already distributed around the globe, Negroponte has seen what his latest project can do for children, their families and their communities.

"In Peru, we have found that as many as 50 percent of the kids, many in remote villages, are teaching their parents how to read and write" says Negroponte. Worldwide, schools report that their 'connected' children have fewer discipline problems, their parents become more involved in the children's education and kids often literally run to school.

"That kind of impact is extraordinarily heartwarming to me," adds Negroponte, with a smile.

It's all a part of a life's work for Nicholas Negroponte, a world class innovator who is making a positive difference by saying "let's brainstorm a better way - together."