Gates Foundation commits $12.9 million to improve college learning technology
By APThursday, December 3, 2009
Gates Foundation commits $12.9M to college tech
SEATTLE — The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation wants to help community colleges use technology to improve and go beyond basic online classes.
The $12.9 million in grants the foundation announced Thursday will support a variety of programs — from using social media to creating virtual learning labs.
The leader of the foundation’s college program says they’re targeting the best new ideas for improving learning opportunities for low-income young adults. The grants will focus on science and math and affect colleges across the nation.
In addition to making online and digital classes better, the foundation wants to help create new networking tools and education games to make learning interactive, enjoyable and relevant.
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On the Web:
Gates Foundation: www.gatesfoundation.org
Tags: Distance Learning, Education, North America, Philanthropic Foundations, Philanthropy, Seattle, United States, Washington
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December 8, 2009: 8:26 am
It’s great that Bill Gates is doing this. There are some online schools already using technology to make education more immersive and interactive. American InterContinental University Online (https://www.aiuonline.edu) and Colorado Technical University Online (https://www.ctuonline.edu)both offer a Virtual Campus environment for their online college degree students. |
RJ