Through a Reinventing Education grant awarded in 1995, IBM and Chicago Public Schools worked together to raise student achievement in mathematics. The project provide middle school teachers with instant access to new, hands-on algebra, geometry and measurement and data analysis curricula. Teachers used Riverdeep Learning Village to develop their own standards-based lesson plans and to engage in online discussions to collaborate on new teaching techniques and strategies, discuss mathematical content and pedagogy, and share information on problems and best practices. To expand the project, the technology is being incorporated into a number of district initiatives, including GEAR UP, a U.S. Department of Education program to improve student performance and prepare them for successful post-secondary education.
Through a Reinventing Education grant awarded in 2002, IBM and the Chicago Education Alliance (CEA) are now developing innovative teaching and learning methodologies in alignment with the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and the Interstate School Leader Licensure Consortium standards. Innovative applications of Riverdeep Learning Village are being used for online collaboration and mentoring to support pre-service, new and in-service teachers, as well as prospective principals and teacher leaders. CEA includes the Chicago Public Schools, the Chicago Teachers Union, and the Colleges of Education of DePaul, Illinois State, Northeastern Illinois, and Roosevelt Universities. |
