The One Laptop Per Child (OLPC) initiative was launched with the goal of providing every child around the world with a low-cost, durable laptop to improve education and bridge the digital divide. The idea originated in Silicon Valley, where a group of technologists and business leaders believed that access to computing technology could help solve a range of global challenges. The initiative’s centerpiece was the XO-1 laptop, a specially designed device built for use in areas with limited infrastructure. However, despite its ambitious goals, the OLPC project faced numerous challenges and did not achieve the widespread success that its creators had hoped for. In an episode of Version History, a podcast that explores the history and impact of technology, David Pierce is joined by The Verge's Adi Robertson and tech journalist David Imel to discuss the reasons behind OLPC's difficulties. They examine whether the XO-1’s design had any lasting influence, and if similar efforts to distribute computers to children could succeed in the future. The episode is part of the fifth season of Version History, which has been focusing on iconic technologies used in education. Earlier episodes have covered topics such as the development of the Oregon Trail game and the history of the TI-82 graphing calculator. For those who have not listened to previous episodes, they are available on the podcast’s platform. Subscribers to The Verge can access Version History and other podcasts without ads by adjusting their account settings. The episode also provides links to further reading about the OLPC initiative, including articles from The New York Times, Gizmodo, and the Berkeley School of Information. These resources offer a more detailed look at the project’s history, its challenges, and the broader implications of its goals. The discussion in this episode highlights the complexities of large-scale technology initiatives aimed at education and development. While the OLPC project did not achieve its original vision, it sparked important conversations about the role of technology in learning and the challenges of implementing such programs in diverse and often resource-limited environments. The insights from this episode may help inform future efforts to use technology as a tool for education and empowerment.