The netbook story, according to industry executives and analysts, offers real-world lessons in technology innovation, business strategy and marketing.
More often than not, classroom lessons in technology are passive: watching videos instead of making them, or browsing websites instead of creating them.
Japan, the most energy-efficient developed country, offers a lesson in using technology to reduce energy consumption.
Then, after tea and biscuits in the crowded staff room, and a tense meeting with a pupil about behavioural issues, he's interviewed by Tallis TV, the school's very own TV station, and drops in on a year 8 lesson in internet technology.
Shortly after I arrived, Charlie Kasmarek, a club member and five-year veteran of the sport, took me in hand and led me over to a teal single-seat glider, where I got a lesson in glider technology — such as it is.
To gain a deeper understanding of the printed medium in early America, a group of Cornell students had a recent hands-on lesson in printing technology as part of the freshman writing seminar "American Literature and Culture: The Power of the Page," taught by doctoral English student Jonathan Senchyne.
"It's a lesson in how technology has changed how we market and how we create content," says Engleman.
With Deilab, students get hands-on lessons in science, technology, engineering, art and math, and they learn about resilience.
While the activities are hands-on lessons in science, technology, engineering, art and math, or STEAM, Mr. Lee says the children are also learning about resilience: the willingness to overcome adversity and try, try again.
