User:H0riz0n/tasks/Wolfram Group/update


 * Hi Joy,


 * Just wanted to update you on K12 Online. I haven't gotten you that proposal yet, but we are getting closer to being able to get you one. I had to get some key things out of the way--btw, my wife gave birth to our son! I have pics up at mtrout.com.

Project Update:

 * We have secured MITs Education Arcade and Fablevision to work with us as strategic development partners.
 * We have secured EDUIT.org (actually a 501c3 I founded in 2001) to lead the initiative.
 * Established our Back-office (be more than happy to give you access too)
 * We have been busy adding, technical team members, board members and strategic partners.
 * A foreign government have asked us to put together a K-12 math and science solution for under $5m. We will probably use this as a vehicle to beta test K12 Online. We are gonna need help--not sure that you can offer.

Project Elements: "Objective: flatten global learning"

 * 1) Wikitube open source platform ("The Skin")-- A multimedia wiki platform that will enable anyone to take existing educational multimedia and create short education modules. All the multimedia education materials for K-12 has been created and is currenlty sitting unused on hard drives and video cassettes in AV libraries all over the world (BBC, PBS, NPR, DISCOVERY, etc.). This material will be hosted online on EDUIT media Archive (Dev. partners petitioned).
 * 2) K12 Online ("The Skeleton")-- proprietary play-learn system that will integrates wikitube edu modules in a fun format for the learners. Video games and prizes become the Pavlovian mechanism to motivate the user to watch, learn, compete and win prizes.  A key aspect is that K12 Online is primarily audio and visually driven, text is tertiary.  The idea is all a kid needs to be able to do is "point and touch." (Dev. partners secured)
 * 3) Point and touch Teaching Tablets (TT) -- 19" multi-touch teaching tablet. The goal is for K12 Online to run on any device that can access the net. However, we anticipate an education market that would be interested in a device that "limits/controls" online access to kids and provides all the K-12+ education needs. In essence it becomes the lecturer and tester. Many are asking the question how will China and India (and others) build a 20th Century educational bricks and mortar infrastructure to meet their demand? They can't and they wont need too... we want to provide every kid with a TT and let the education start at home and allow schools to function more like labs where kids apply what they have learn and are free to learn at their own pace, and as fast as they like, by eliminating the teacher and other students as barriers to their progress.


 * That's just a simplified version. But, I think it gives some idea of our progress and direction. I would love to have you guys involved... maybe take on the development of Wikitube...


 * In the meantime, I would like to extend a board nomination out to Wolfram group, or at the very least, list you as a strategic partner. I am sure Mr. Wolfram sits on too many board, but would be honored if someone could be nominated in his stead. Very low time requirment (~2hrs a quarter).


 * Appreciate the consideration,


 * Cheers,


 * Michael