The homework gap
There are approximately 5 million school children in America who do not have the Internet at home and most of them are from low-income households. These kids face major problems because not only do 70% of teachers now set homework that requires broadband, but also nowadays so much of a young person’s education takes place online; from discussion groups to shared documents to doing research to submitting assignments. Without online connectivity millions of children are in danger of getting seriously left behind.
A fairer future
Mobile operator, Verizon, understand that in today’s world digital skills are absolutely essential and appreciate that if the job of education is to prepare children for the future, then technology has to be a big part of that. For this reason, Verizon developed the ‘Verizon Innovative Learning’ program, targeting Middle schools across America.
Transformational technology
Verizon Innovative Learning is a truly unique and transformational initiative because it uses digital technology to restructure a school’s whole approach, not merely providing the tech but actually showing how it should be used whilst also catering for children’s different learning needs. This completely changes both how the teachers teach and how the pupils study. Every student and teacher is given a tablet with a 2-year data plan and the students are introduced to new, fun and exciting tech-based ways to learn. From math games on their tablets to robotics to digital printing, their eyes are opened to a wider world of possibilities and opportunities.
Making the grade
Results show that because of the program, students have shown improvements in maths and reading scores and are more engaged in school. Verizon Innovative Learning has already committed over $400 million dollars to providing free technology and learning programs to over 100 schools in the US. The project has helped over 1 million students with a goal to reaching 2 million more by 2021.
“Every night my mom would drive me to the Starbucks parking lot and we’d sit in the car together while I did my assignments. We did that for a year. When we got the tablets at school I just couldn’t believe it…first I was laughing and then all of a sudden I had to stop myself from crying right there in class. It meant so much to me and straight away I knew it would change my life and it has. I think about my future in a different way now.”
Josh Coleman, student, Bearden Middle School, Knoxville, TN
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