Powerful Ideas for Global Learning and Leadership in the 21st Century

Since 2009, the World Wide Workshop has partnered with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to empower youth and their communities with the digital and civic literacies crucial to real-world community participation and engagement. The partnership began in West Virginia, with a focus on advancing civics and news literacy through game-design, and in 2011, expanded with the launch of a new Globaloria network across the Silicon Valley region. Knight Foundation supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. The foundation believes that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged.

 

In 2011, Google provided a grant to support the Globaloria social learning network in San Jose/Silicon Valley in order to cultivate regional innovation and a broad array of STEM knowledge and digital skills among local youth in the Valley. By teaching youth game design and programming in schools and community centers, this initiative helps ease Silicon Valley's talent crunch. This is part of over $100M in charitable giving to use Google's strengths in building products and advocate policies addressing global challenges.

 

In March 2012, Cisco provided a grant to the Globaloria network in Silicon Valley to develop STEM skills, content knowledge, and inspire interest in STEM careers among underprivileged youth in the region. This funding builds upon Cisco's 2006 grant for the development and implementation of the first Globaloria pilot with a group of 40 Arab Israeli, Jewish Israeli and Russian immigrant NET@ students in Israel. Cisco teams with nonprofit and non-governmental agencies around the world to develop programs that improve access to basic human needs, education, and economic opportunities.

 

Benedum provided the seed funding for Globaloria in West Virginia in 2007, and has continually renewed funding to support the ongoing expansion and excellence of the program. Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation is an independent foundation established in 1944 by Michael and Sarah Benedum, natives respectively of Bridgeport and Blacksville, West Virginia. They named the Foundation in memory of their only child, Claude Worthington Benedum, who died in 1918 at age 20. The Benedums expressed the wish that grantmaking be focused in West Virginia and Southwestern Pennsylvania, their native and adopted homes.

 

In May 2009, the AMD Foundation partnered with the World Wide Workshop to implement a customized Globaloria network in selected schools and after-school programs in cities where AMD operates. The first pilot is in partnership with Southwest Key Programs at East Austin College Prep (EAPrep) in Austin, Texas. In June 2008, the AMD Foundation launched Changing the Game to help youth harness the power of digital games with social content, while learning critical education and life skills. Globaloria-AMD provides a programmatic turnkey solution that facilitates the AMD Foundation’s mission to transform education.

 

On March 9th, 2009, the West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE), under the leadership of Superintendant of Schools, Dr. Steven L. Paine, became a partner and funder of Globaloria in WV. Globaloria helps further the Department’s mission to systematically transform the WV public school system to provide all West Virginia children the skills to excel in a fiercely-competitive global world. The vision is for ownership over Globaloria WV to transfer to WVDE at the end of the five-year pilot period in 2012. We are well on our way to achieving this goal.

 

In March 2007, the West Virginia Office of the Governor was seeking an innovative program to help WV students learn 21st-century skills and game production. They connected with the World Wide Workshop and brought Globaloria to West Virginia to fulfill this vision by using the Globaloria network for learning game making. The Governor's Office provided initial seed funding to plan and recruit other funders, and train the group of pilot educators. First Lady Gayle Manchin co-chairs the Globaloria-WV Advisory Board, and provides invaluable support and strategic advice to this innovative project.

 

In March 2011, Frontier Communications partnered with the World Wide Workshop to expand the deployment of the Globaloria network throughout West Virginia. The aim is to connect schools in rural communities to broadband learning and empower youth with the digital literacies in civics and STEM and 21st-century skills needed for success. Frontier Communications, with about 14,800 employees nationally, provides High-Speed Internet, wireless Internet data access, data security solutions and advanced business communications for medium and large businesses in 27 states. Frontier is committed to networked learning for public education in rural communities.

 

In October 2010, the ESA Foundation partnered with the World Wide Workshop to support scaling the integration of Globaloria in schools across West Virginia, pledging to support the program in 2011. Their support also facilitates the expansion of the annual Globaloria STEM Game Design Competition, and the launch of the Globaloria Inspiration Awards for outstanding schools and counties. The ESA Foundation was created by the American entertainment software industry to provide opportunities that can make a difference in the lives of America’s youth. The Foundation is fully supported by proceeds from their limited edition charity game pack’s sales and "Nite to Unite for Kids," its annual fund-raiser.

 

In 2014, Oracle awarded a grant to expand and support the Globaloria social learning network in the San Francisco Bay Area in California and ensure hundreds more students have access to MIT-style, computing education. Oracle is the world's largest provider of enterprise software and a leading provider of computer hardware products and services that are engineered to work together in the cloud and in the data center.

 

In October 2012, HP provided a grant to the World Wide Workshop to support the deployment of the Globaloria social learning network in middle schools in San Jose/Silicon Valley with the goal of cultivating STEM, computing and engineering knowledge and innovation skills among low-income students, boys and girls alike. HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world's largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems.

 

In June 2012, the Motorola Mobility Foundation partnered with the World Wide Workshop to expand the number of youth in Silicon Valley able to engage with technology to enhance their lives and expand their opportunities for success and leadership in today's digital world. The Motorola Mobility Foundation is the charitable and philanthropic arm of Motorola Mobility. With employees located around the globe, Motorola Mobility seeks to benefit the communities where it operates. The company achieves this by making strategic grants, forging strong community partnerships, fostering innovation and engaging stakeholders. The Motorola Mobility Foundation focuses its funding on education, community, health and wellness and disaster relief.

 

In June 2012, Microsoft joined the World Wide Workshop as a partner to help close the digital literacy divide by developing applications with technology that combine game mechanics and social networking to empower all youth to be inventors and leaders in the global knowledge economy. Microsoft is leading a national conversation about how to empower youth through innovative uses of technology. Microsoft believes that technology can expand the power of education and unlock the potential of students, educators and schools. To make this technology available worldwide we partner with education communities, delivering solutions, services and programs that help people learn.

 

In April 2013, Leo M Shortino Foundation provided a grant to the World Wide Workshop to support the deployment of the Globaloria social learning network in San Jose/Silicon Valley to help close STEM And digital literacy gaps and address barriers to educational achievement for at-risk and low-income youth. Since 1990, the Shortino Foundation has acted as a catalyst to enhance the quality of life in Santa Clara County, California through charitable giving to support at risk youth and their families through education and the arts.

 

In 2011, Adobe partnered with the World Wide Workshop to help provide youth with access to the tools and opportunities needed for success in today's digital world. Adobe supports the efforts of the World Wide Workshop through donations of Adobe® Flash® Professional CS5.5, used exclusively by the program to build games; underwriting software costs; and raising awareness about the Globaloria Social Network for game design. Beyond its work with the World Wide Workshop, Adobe offers teachers and administrators integrated software, curriculums, and instructional resources as well as certification options and professional development tools designed to promote digital literacy and teach essential career skills.

 

In July 2013, SanDisk Corporation partnered with the World Wide Workshop to support the continued deployment of Globaloria in San Jose & Silicon Valley. This partnership with SanDisk Corporation will help bring innovative digital learning through game design to a record number of technologically underserved youth across the region. For a quarter of a century, SanDisk has been at the forefront of flash memory. From our early days as a Silicon Valley start-up to our current position as a global leader in flash memory storage solutions and as a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company, we have always focused on making people's digital lives better. Today, that commitment continues in the enterprise data center, on mobile devices, and in consumer's homes, as we strive to enrich people's lives anytime, anywhere.

 

In January 2012, Konami Digital Entertainment partnered with the World Wide Workshop to leverage the power of gaming for learning and teaching, and to promote innovative STEM education through the Globaloria Learning Network. Konami is raising awareness about Globaloria and inspires student game-makers through donations of award-winning games, including DanceDanceRevolution. Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher and manufacturer of electronic entertainment properties. Konami's titles include the popular franchises Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill, DanceDanceRevolution and Castlevania, among other top sellers. The latest information about Konami can be found on the Web at www.konami.com. KONAMI CORPORATION is a publicly traded company based in Tokyo, Japan with subsidiary offices, Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, Japan, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. in the United States and Konami Digital Entertainment GmbH in Frankfurt, Germany. KONAMI CORPORATION is traded in the United States on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol KNM. Details of the products published by Konami can be found at www.konami.com.

 

In March 2012, Electronic Arts, Inc. (EA) partnered with the World Wide Workshop to leverage the power of gaming for teaching and learning, and to inspire the next generation of engineers, technologists, programmers and game designers. EA is sponsoring the Globaloria Game Design Competitions with donations of award-winning EA games for winners across the nation. Founded in 1982, EA is the world's leading global interactive software company. EA develops, publishes and distributes interactive software worldwide for video game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet.

 

Nintendo of America Inc. is lending support for the Globaloria Globey Game Design Awards through donations of prizes and helping to judge the competition, inspiring budding game designers around the country to be the next generation of engineers and programmers.

 

In 2013, Target awarded a grant to support the Globaloria STEM Innovation Field Trip program for students at the East Austin College Prep Academy in Texas to cultivate interest and motivation among Globaloria students toward STEM careers. This program complements the goal of Globaloria to grow the STEM pipeline by teaching game design and programming in schools. The award reflects Target's commitment to helping kids learn, schools teach and parents and caring adults engage, with a projected $1 billion being donated to education by the end of 2015.

 

In June 2011, the World Wide Workshop partnered with the Silicon Valley Education Foundation to expand the Globaloria network across the Silicon Valley region with the aim of empowering the community as a whole (young people, their parents and community leaders) to be more informed and engaged. Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF) focuses on raising student performance in the critical areas of math and science across all 33 Santa Clara County school districts. Their goal is to be the leading advocate for public education in the region. They are known for their clear focus on achieving results, partnering, and emphasizing creativity and innovation. Beyond serving students, teachers, and administrators, SVEF provides value to the larger community by making investing in education easy.

 

In 2009, the World Wide Workshop partnered with Southwest Key Programs to implement the Globaloria-AMD pilot in Austin, Texas, at their newly-opened charter school, The East Austin College Prep Academy. Southwest Key Programs is a national nonprofit organization providing transformative education, innovative safe shelters and alternatives to incarceration for over 6,000 youth each day, while creating opportunities for their families to become self-sufficient.

 

In April 2012, the World Wide Workshop partnered with the Krause Center for Innovation (KCI) at Foothill College to expand the Globaloria network across the Silicon Valley region with the aim of establishing KCI as the professional development center for Globaloria in the Bay area. The KCI is a leader in providing professional development for K-14 educators in Silicon Valley. Over 14,000 educators from throughout the San Francisco Bay Area have taken KCI classes or participated in its programs. The KCI's mission is to design and implement innovative professional development education and training, with an emphasis on technology integration and STEM curriculum to support the diverse workforce needed to compete in the knowledge economy.

 

Since 2007, the West Virginia Center for Professional Development (CPD) has been our implementation partner for Globaloria West Virginia. The mission of CPD, one of five agencies under the direction of the Governor’s Department of Education and the Arts, is to advance the quality of teaching and management in the schools of West Virginia through (1) the implementation of statewide training, professional staff development, and technical assistance programs and practices to assure the highest quality in such teaching and management; and (2) the provision of technical and other assistance and support to regional and local education agencies in identifying and providing high quality professional staff development and training programs and implementing best practices to meet their locally identified needs.

 

In 2009, East Austin College Prep (EAPrep) charter school in Austin, Texas partnered with the World Wide Workshop to implement the first school-wide, cross-curricular implementation of Globaloria. The goal of the partnership is to model blended, STEM learning through game design as integrated into the core curriculum of a school to successfully prepare students for college and career success. East Austin College Prep is an innovative, tuition-free public charter school open to students living in East Austin. The mission of EAPrep is to inspire students to have college aspirations along with the academic skills and work ethic necessary to succeed.

 

In Spring 2012, Manor Independent School District (MISD) partnered with the World Wide Workshop to empower MISD students with the skills and knowledge to be STEM leaders in the 21st century. MISD's vision is to scale Globaloria to all students in the district and become a model for large-scale innovation that can be replicated across Texas and the nation. Manor ISD, located just outside Austin's city limits, is a leader in the effort to transform education for 21st century students. Manor ISD has been recognized for establishing the nation's first Project-Based Learning (PBL) site for elementary through high school teachers, training hundreds of teachers from across the country on successful PBL implementation through their Think Forward Institute, and aligning resources and strategy to ensure increase achievement, learning and graduation rates for all Manor students.

 

In 2012, Young Women's Leadership Network partnered with the World Wide Workshop to implement a cross-curricular implementation of Globaloria to extend technically oriented, S.T.E.M. education to young women and to provide them with the skills, knowledge and experience they need to be good citizens, great leaders and extraordinary women.

 

In May 2013, the Sheridan County School District 1 partnered with the World Wide Workshop to bring Globaloria to students and educators at both Tongue River Middle School and Big Horn Middle School. The district has a strong focus on technology and comprises 7 schools serving a population of 900 students in Sheridan County, Wyoming.

 

In March 2012, KIPP Bay Area Schools partnered with the World Wide Workshop to bring Globaloria to the first group of KIPP students and educators in the nation. Launched with KIPP Heartwood Academy in San Jose, the goal of this partnership is to model innovative STEM learning that can be replicated across the vibrant KIPP charter school network to ensure college and career success for all KIPP students. The mission of KIPP Bay Area Schools is to operate high-achieving public schools in educationally underserved communities, developing in students the knowledge, skills and character essential to thrive in college, shape their futures, and positively impact the world. KIPP Bay Area Schools is made up of five middle schools, two high schools and a regional support office that serve approximately 2,500 students. Approximately 85% of KIPP students enroll in college, more than twice the national average for low-income communities.

 

In April 2012, the Eastside Union High School District (ESUHSD) partnered with the World Wide Workshop to further advance STEM learning and prepare ESUHSD students for success in a highly-competitive and global marketplace with Globaloria. The district has 24,000 students at 11 high schools and has the fourth largest high school student enrollment in the state and the largest in Northern California.

 

In May 2013, the Franklin Mckinley School District (FMSD) partnered with the World Wide Workshop to bring Globaloria to students and educators at Sylvandale Middle School, and the IT Careers Academy at the Sylvandale campus in Jose/Silicon Valley. The district has 17 schools and, serves a population of close to 8000 students. The Globaloria program's focus on STEM learning through game design meshes strongly with the curriculum and career goals of the Sylvandale IT Careers Academy.

 

In August 2011, the Oak Grove School District (OGSD) partnered with the World Wide Workshop to bring Globaloria to students and educators in San Jose/Silicon Valley. OGSD has 16 elementary and three intermediate schools, serving a population of 11,500 students. The goal of the partnership is to model blended, STEM learning with Globaloria that can be expanded throughout the district and the Silicon Valley region.

 

In June of 2013, Alpha Public Schools partnered with the World Wide Workshop to bring Globaloria to students and educators at Blanca Alvarado Middle School in San Jose, California. Alpha Public Schools' blended instructional model empowers great teachers and inspires active learning, ensuring that all students have not only the knowledge, but also the skills and character traits they will need to succeed in high school, college, and a 21st century global economy.

 

In August 2011, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley (BGCSV) partnered with the Workshop to bring Globaloria to at-risk youth across Silicon Valley. Launched initially with two clubs, the partnership is poised to expand to all clubs servicing youth 12 and over to empower them with the skills and opportunities to grow into successful adults. By providing access to innovative programs, inspiring leaders and an enlightened perspective on life, BGCSV has helped children in the Santa Clara valley overcome boundaries and achieve their dreams for over 65 years. BGCSV is an affiliate member of the Boys & Girls Club of America, and currently serves over 3,000 members, ages 6 to 18, at 11 facilities throughout the San Jose area.

 

The STEM Council at Skillpoint Alliance is pleased to be supporting digital media literacy in the Austin area by introducing Globaloria as part of its STEP UP summer camps and promoting Globaloria to schools and districts across Central Texas to encourage and better prepare students to consider the kinds of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers available in the region. Skillpoint Alliance, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, serves more than 6,200 people annually by creating partnerships among industry, education and the community that lead to college and career success for Central Texans, while meeting employers' needs for a qualified workforce. The STEM Council is a consortium of high tech executives and education leaders coordinated by Skillpoint Alliance, which addresses the workforce and education needs of the engineering and high-tech industries in Central Texas.

 

In April 2012, the World Wide Workshop joined the National Center for Women and Information Technology (NWCIT) K-12 Alliance to collectively work to empower, motivate and advance digital and computer science opportunities for girls. The mission of NCWIT's K-12 Alliance is to inspire girls to become more interested in and confident with computing, and to increase the recruitment, retention and advancement of girls in IT, computing, and computer science study and careers.

 

In October 2012, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards partnered with the World Wide Workshop to promote the use of game design technology in the classroom, encourage students to learn about and engage in game design, provide opportunities for students to excel in the visual and literary arts, and receive recognition, exhibition, publication and scholarship opportunities. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation's highest honor for creative teens. Students in grades 7 - 12 can submit work in 28 categories of art and writing, including game design. Deadlines range from December 15 - January 15 by region annually.

 

In October 2013, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) & Leaders on Fast Track (LOFT) partnered with the World Wide Workshop to leverage the power of technology, computing and game design to empower underserved youth across the nation to become innovators and active STEM leaders. The LOFT Innovation Track identifies, prepares, and places technically talented underrepresented minorities (URMS) in the workforce. LOFT, an initiative of the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF), is an award-winning, leadership and workforce development program focused on "priority fields" including science technology, engineering, math, finance, public policy, law and other areas. Established by the White House in 1987, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation's mission is to inspire, prepare and position Latino leaders in the classroom, community and workforce to meet America's priorities.

 

Beginning in January 2012, the World Wide Workshop and National STEM Video Game Challenge are working together to help motivate and engage students in STEM learning, 21st Century Literacy Skills, and Systems Thinking. Through outreach, reciprocal judging, and publication of student winners, the two organizations will significantly expand their reach and help influence the national education discussion. Inspired by the "Educate to Innovate Campaign," President Obama's initiative to promote a renewed focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) education, the National STEM Video Game Challenge is a multi-year competition whose goal is to motivate interest in STEM learning among America's youth by tapping into students' natural passion for playing and making video games.

 

In the fall of 2009, the World Wide Workshop partnered with iCivics to empower young people and educators with information, skills and awareness needed to ensure deeper civics learning and encourage greater civics awareness. This is particularly critical as Globaloria participants learn to be digital media producers making informed choices to take civic action in the 21st century. iCivics is a web-based education project designed to teach students civics and inspire them to be active participants in our democracy. iCivics is the vision of Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who is concerned that students are not getting the information and tools they need for civic participation, and that civics teachers need better materials and support.

 

BrainPOP® is proud to serve as a 2011 Workshop sponsor, supporting students and educators as they create STEM-themed online games. Winners of the Globaloria game design competitions will receive subscriptions to BrainPOP so they can continue cultivating vital STEM skills. Additionally, BrainPOP will highlight the winning student-made games within GameUp, its new collection of top online game titles. BrainPOP is the award-winning creator of animated, curricular content that engages students, supports teachers, and bolsters achievement in classrooms, at home, and on mobile devices.

 

In October 2011, the World Wide Workshop partnered with THE LAMP to empower young people and educators with information, skills and awareness needed to be truly news- and media-literate. This is particularly critical for Globaloria as they learn to be digital media producers and civic agents in a media-rich world. THE LAMP (Learning About Multimedia Project) is a non-profit organization creating a grassroots movement to reform and improve media with the mission of building healthy relationships with all forms of media by communities. This is achieved through free media literacy workshops and public events for youth, parents and educators. The LAMP works in communities to build healthy relationships with all forms of media.

 

In July 2011, the World Wide Workshop partnered with Florida’s Hillsborough County Public Schools to leverage Globaloria to further advance STEM learning and prepare students for success in a highly-competitive and global marketplace. Hillsborough County is the 8th largest school district in the nation with 191,000 students, and is a consistent leader in the nation in student and educator achievement and education reform.

 

In July 2011, the National Jazz Museum in Harlem (NJMH) and the World Wide Workshop teamed up to teach youth jazz and digital literacy through Globaloria. The program launched as a summer program for 13-19 year olds, and will expand to an afterschool program during the year. The museum was founded to make the rich history and experience of jazz accessible to all, and to ensure that the heart and soul of the music remain forever entwined with the Harlem community. NJMH offers a range of free concerts, exhibitions and educational programs, and is thrilled now to include the Globaloria-Jazz Workshops.

 

Verizon West Virginia became a supporter of the first Globaloria-WV pilot in January 2008, allowing us to add several new schools and expand our research partnerships with West Virginia University and Marshall University Graduate School of Education. In May 2008, Verizon renewed its support for 2008-09. Headquartered in Charleston, WV, it is part of Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) - a leader in delivering broadband and other wireline and wireless communication innovations to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers. A Dow 30 company, Verizon has a diverse workforce of nearly 238,000 and last year generated consolidated operating revenues of more than $88 billion. Across the Mountain State, Verizon partners with communities they serve and makes grants to nonprofit organizations who share passion for literacy, domestic violence prevention, and for improving people's lives through technology.

 

SEED has been a partner of the World Wide Workshop since 2004, including sponsoring Globaloria's "My Science Life" network. SEED staff and volunteers from around the world  learned to create science sims and games in the MySLife Global Climate pilot, along with students and teachers from SEED schools in Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Trinidad. Schlumberger Excellence in Educational Development (SEED), is a volunteer-based, non-profit education program focused on underserved communities where Schlumberger people live and work. SEED empowers employee-volunteers and educators-including teachers, parents and other mentors-to share their passion for learning and science with students aged 10-18. The SEED learning-while-doing (LWD) methodology draws on the technology and science expertise of our volunteers to engage students in global issues, such as water, energy and climate change.

 

Rethinkers piloted Globaloria's My Health Life network in New Orleans during the summer of 2008, as they developed proposals for reinventing cafeterias and security in New Orleans public schools. In early 2006, a group of community organizers, artists, architects, media experts and educators began organizing Rethink. Rethink is now a citywide youth organization with three adult staff members and a number of partner organizations, including the World Wide Workshop.

 

The 21st Century Foundation supports national and local programs that serve black America. They provided partial funding for the launch of Globaloria in New Orleans. In June 2008, the MyHLife.org network was launched with Rethink. Founded in 1971 by economist Robert S. Browne, 21CF began making grants in 1972. 21CF supports black community-based organizations in the United States committed to civil and human rights, economic empowerment and addressing the root causes of injustice. The Foundation is committed to supporting organizations claiming equity, equality and the integrity of all black people.

 

Along with Cisco, NET@ was our implementation partner for the first Globaloria pilot in Israel in 2006. 40 NET@ students, including Arab Israelis, Jewish Israelis and Russian immigrants from five cities across Israel, participated in virtual teams to conceive games and help us test the MyGLife platform. The NET@ Program was established in 2003 as a unique community-social initiative by the Tapuah Non-Profit Organization, the Jewish Agency, Keren Hayesod and Cisco Systems. The program's objective is to change the lives of young people in the geographical and social periphery of Israel, making them into a dream team of the Israeli hi-tech world.

 

HBO Corporate Affairs/Corporate Giving provided a corporate contribution to support the MyGLife.org first pilot in the Middle East in Winter 2006-07. This grant was part of the HBO Documentary Films corporate giving program.

 

Since the Summer of 2004, Dr. Caperton, the Workshop's President, has been recruited to consult her MIT colleague Nicholas Negroponte on his most recent innovation - the OLPC (One Laptop Per Child, a.k.a "$100 Laptop"). As a result, we developed the "Next Billion Learners" Program to focus on the development of creative learning software for low cost laptops, in order to support 1:1 computing worldwide. In early 2007, when the first XO beta prototype was produced and in the hands of children, the World Wide Workshop team was recruited to develop a creative learning software suite for kids. OLPC is a non-profit association founded by Negroponte and a team of MIT educators and technologists dedicated to educating children with the goal of eradicating poverty. In many ways, OLPC is based on the Constructionist learning principles expressed by the research work of MIT Professor Seymour Papert and Idit Harel Caperton and their MIT Media Lab colleagues. Negroponte strongly claims, "OLPC is not a technology project, nor is the XO a technology product: in any conventional sense of the word. It is providing a means to an end - that sees children in the most remote regions of the globe being given the opportunity to tap into their potential, to be exposed to a whole world of ideas, to learn and to contribute to a more productive and saner world community."

 

The Caperton Family and their Caperton Fund provided seed funding to the World Wide Workshop since its inception, and have been enthusiastic supporters of its Globaloria Program. The Caperton Fund is a small private fund established in 1986 by Gaston Caperton (two-terms WV Governor during 1989-1997). The fund is administered by the Greater Kanawha Valley Foundation (TGKVF) and seeking to enrich lives in West Virginia through the provision of philanthropic and charitable services. Through TGKVF, the Caperton Fund invests in education technology innovation in West Virginia. It supports the novel approach of the Globaloria Program in engaging WV public-school educators and students in design-based teaching and learning.