Children at a school in Italy have today begun an experiment to replace all their books with personal computers. The pupils involved will each be given a special laptop that contains their entire courses.
Until today, the Don Milani di Rivoli elementary school in central Turin was like any other. Children turned up, got out their books and pens and began the process of learning. But now, in what's being described as a unique experiment, 60 fifth-grade pupils and a number of third-graders, will start using computers only.
The mini-laptops, which run Windows software, all have a full curriculum programmed into them. The pupils will use the computers to do all their reading and writing. Security systems within the laptops mean the children's access to the Internet is strictly controlled. The machines weigh less than a kilogram, can be dropped from a height of 1.5 metres and are waterproof.
Instead of spending 700 dollars a year on books, the laptops, built by the Italian company Olidata, cost less than 400 dollars. One of the teachers involved in the scheme says that, for the first time, schools will be able to verify in a scientific way how a computer alone can improve the learning process. The experiment, which has the backing of parents, is due to last a year.
In other countries, such a programme is also being carried out. Venezuela is ordering one million low cost laptops for its school children. The machines will be based on the Intel Classmate laptop that has been designed for school children. Many see the deal as a blow for the One Laptop Per Child organization that has also been introducing its child- friendly machine to developing nations.
小题1: Which of the following is TRUE about the mini-laptop?
A．It is heavy for pupils to carry.
B．It can't be damaged by water.
C．It is one and a half meters high.
D．It is easily broken or damaged.小题2: The pupils use the laptop to ____ in class.
A．learn their lessons as an aid
B．have a course named computer studies
C．surf the Internet mainly to find information
D．do what they used to do with books and pens小题3: How much money can a pupil save by using the mini-laptop to replace all the books in a year?
A．Less than 400 dollars.
B．More than 400 dollars.
C．More than 300 dollars.
D．Less than 300 dollars.小题4:Which of the following about the experiment is TRUE?
A．It has been carried out for over one year.
B．It has already turned out to be a success.
C．The pupils' parents are against it in fact.
D．The pupils' parents are supportive to it.
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