The national trend toward implementing technology in the classroom is dramatically improving the condition of American education and is significantly improving student motivation and national test scoring, especially among inner-city and disadvantaged communities.
With the Internet already in place in almost 98% of our schools, reaching students today with effective technology courses that don't rely on federal money is a promising way to keep the momentum in progressive education going. The WBE.NET Global Internet Trade Course for Students -- which is fully funded by grants, corporations and public sponsors -- is emerging at K-12 schools across the country as a positive solution. The results of the course that integrates technology with learning speak for themselves: student enthusiasm and motivation to learn is high, student grades are outpacing the national average, attendance rate is up, student confidence is blossoming, and at-risk students are turning their lives around.
"Before the course, I was just worried about getting my high school diploma," stated Keith Callahan, a 17-year old African American student at Alain LeRoy Locke High School. "I was excited because this was the first course that took me beyond the text book, beyond theory and showed me not only how to make money, but how to use the Internet to build a career in a global economy."
Another inner-city student concurs, "It was the first time I saw gang members come together with more serious students and be excited about a school course. We all looked forward to learning more about harnessing the power of the Internet, about building our own business, about proper business etiquette, budgeting, presentations, market research and cultural differences," stated Albert S. Holt III. "This is where our world is heading and now we're better prepared to be a part of it."
Dr. Clarence Clarkson, Principal of Mid-City Magnet Central School where the course is also in place, confirmed the success rate of the innovative technology program among at-risk students. "Our student scores in language, reading, science and math were up 44%, double that of last semester. Last year alone, we improved our Stanford 9 scores by three levels. The students were excited by the course and thereby committed to doing well."
During the course, students establish and run an actual business enterprise. Working together, they learn how to use the power of the Internet to conduct real trade deals with buyers and sellers of goods all over the world. They learn about the importance of importing and exporting on business expansion, on the American economy and on the world economy. All proceeds generated are donated directly to the school scholarship program.
The accredited course was developed by The REIS Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to expanding technology, innovative educational resources, entrepreneurial training and international trade opportunities to students across America. In 1998 when the dropout rate was above 50% in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Roosevelt Roby (Founder of the REIS Foundation), and Alfonso C. Webb II (an educator with the LAUSD), sought a way to capture student interest and better prepare them for the real world.
As Founder and CEO of The World Business Exchange Network (WBE.NET), Mr. Roby had taught tens of thousands how to start their own home-based business in international trade using the Internet. As a result of his company's success, he saw the opportunity to both bridge the 'digital divide' in this country and adapt a school program that would provide real world business training.
The WBE.NET Global Internet Trade Course was launched, integrating basic school studies such as math, grammar and geography with technology, trade and business training. Its been credited for turning former gang members into model students. "My goal was to give every student -- especially at-risk kids from disadvantaged communities -- the Internet and business training that would help them make the successful transition from school to workplace in this 'technological age' of ours," stated Mr. Roby.
"At a time of growing concern about the quality of America's public school system, of cries for education reform and about money not getting into the classroom as intended, it is encouraging to find a positive story where students apply available resources to them right now and soar both academically and personally," he continued.
Just last month, the California State Lottery -- which provides funding for the state's public school system -- enthusiastically endorsed the program and is bringing it into Sacramento area schools. "We are very selective about only promoting the most innovative educational programs today," stated Joan Wilson, Chief Executive Officer, the California State Lottery. "We are excited by this effective technology course because it has tremendous educational impact, credibility and proven results. It will allow our students to take part in the growing economic infrastructure and future of our State."
Because of the dramatic student success rate, other state lottery representatives, state leaders and corporate sponsors are working with The REIS Foundation to bring the course into more public school systems across the country.
"We all agree technology in the classroom will help better prepare our kids for the future," states Mr. Roby. "While I'm confident federal dollar will eventually find its way to support more technology programs in public schools, I'm grateful that so many in the corporate community are working with us to take care of our kids right now. When it comes to our children's education, they cannot afford to be put off a day longer."
The REIS Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. For more information please contact The REIS Foundation at: 5777 W. Century Boulevard, Suite 1685, Los Angeles, CA 90045; or call 1-800-537-7347.
