The Sigata Mitra video reminded me of Afghanistan, but not in the way that students presented with technology suddenly knew how to use it without learning English. In Afghanistan well meaning coalition forces and world charity organization brought computers and other forms of technology into work places with the hope that it would improve lives. For the most part, without significant instruction, they were useless dust catchers. If they were given classes and they had some English skills, they could do very limited operations. They were very smart people, but technology without guidance does nothing. Even if they saw us use it, they really did not understand how it works.
Similar to teaching them to use American weapon systems, they could aim and point, but understanding how it works and the need to maintain it (keep it clean) seemed to be lost in translation. I believe technology can help, but training and the understanding of a common language is the underlying foundation needed to make it meaningful and to change lives.
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I think you're right; but I was amazed at the results without any instruction that was presented in the video. Some of it has to do with "intention", I think. In your experience, maybe the intention of the infused technology in Afghanistan was too directed and narrow. Or maybe it was because it was adults, not kids trying to learn to use the technology. You bring up good points, though.
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