A revolution in information technology is redefining poverty, as how much you know is becoming just as important as how much you own. "The Hole in the Wall" examines one possible solution to the growing technological gap between rich and poor -- the so-called 'digital divide' -- that threatens to consign millions to an "information underclass." When Indian researcher Sugata Mitra embedded a high-speed computer in a wall separating his firm's New Delhi headquarters from an adjacent slum, he discovered that slum children quickly taught themselves how to surf the net, read the news, and download games and music. Mitra then replicated the experiment in other locations. Each time the results were similar: within hours, and without instruction, the children began browsing the Internet. Can children -- given only access and opportunity -- really teach themselves the rudiments of computer literacy with no instruction? "The Hole in the Wall" experiment, and the documentary film that chronicles it, show the answer to be a "Yes!" Mitra estimates that, given access to one hundred thousand computers, one hundred million Indian children could teach themselves computer literacy within five years. The film concludes by noting that the spread of information technology is changing societies around the world, and the implications of Mitra's experiment are profound -- particularly for poor people.

For more information and to purchase this film, click here.

Click here to find out about a new $100 computer developed by MIT to educate children in developing nations.

Go to World Computer Exchange a company dedicated to bringing information technology to developing nations in order to expand economic and educational opportunities for young people.  Find out where you can donate your old computer as well as ways to volunteer or partner with the organization.   

Visit Digital Link International - a UK-based company that fixes computers donated from various corporations and distributes them at a low-cost to schools and community centers.  They have already distributed over 15,000 computer to 15 countries and they're seeking help from IT professionals who are willing to volunteer a week or two of their time abroad to train and advise these communities.