Open World Learning

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Description

OpenWorld Learning is an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that supports children's school success by tapping the power of digital technology and peer teaching to develop leadership and ignite a love of learning. Since our inception we have proudly served more than 4,000 students, including 611 students who received more than 60,000 contact hours during the 2009-2010 school year. Using interactive technology developed at MIT, our programs help children invent, engineer, create and design through fun and challenging, project-based learning. OpenWorld Learning is committed to bridging the digital divide and developing a community of energized learners. A hallmark of our model is the concept of "Student Leaders", volunteers promoted from within our students who exemplify a love of learning, creativity, hard work and a passion for helping others. These leaders serve as learning resources for their peers, embodying the proven outcomes of peer-learning methodologies consistently demonstrated across educational situations. In this way, we strive to make learning relevant and fun while also equipping students with transferable life skills essential to long term success. OpenWorld Learning's curriculum and results have received widespread praise from independent sources in education, community and business. This is reflected by highly acclaimed formal honors, including: By igniting a love of learning, OpenWorld Learning is finding impressive and measurable achievements amongst our students. Statistical analysis of raw score CSAP data from over 800 OpenWorld Learning students in years 2006, 2007, and 2008 demonstrates that more than 62% of the OpenWorld Learning students perform above the schools’ average in all categories in 2008. The students scored, on average, 55 points higher in reading, 46 points higher in writing, and 67 points higher in math. In addition to our current evaluation methods, future analyses will study the longitudinal impact of OpenWorld Learning on such rubrics as Academic Engagement, Leadership, Social-Emotional Wellness, Love of Learning and Parent Involvement. OpenWorld Learning has partnered with Rockman et al, an independent research and evaluation firm during the 2008-2009 school year to provide objective, third-party analysis of program quality and outcomes. Rockman et al’s study showed that OpenWorld Learning’s program provides a mix of structure and flexibility that the literature suggests makes a strong program. Students have ample opportunity to learn and be creative in the lab, to get assistance with their homework and to take on leadership roles. The program also has the duration and intensity that the literature suggests is necessary for positive impact on student achievement. In addition, their findings concluded that every 100 hours of participation in the program leads to a 4.96 point and 7.65 point increase in CSAP writing scores for grades four and five. Another key finding is that Rockman’s data strongly suggests that students’ educational aspirations increased during the program. The number of students who expected to graduate from a four-year college increased from 58% to 71%.

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