In the Spring of 2011
iGifted School our first initiative, a virtual Math Club. In our Beta Test we had Gifted and Talented students from three different school systems. Using Probability Theory, they planned and executed a virtual trip to another planet (iGifted Planet). At the conclusion of the Beta Test students were encouraged to complete an individual research project, and the projects were submitted to volunteers from SpaceX. By any measurement the efforts of the students was a success. 100% rave reviews from parents and students and a test measured increase in knowledge of Probability of 35% (pre and post test).
We also learned a lot, including how to improve the program through the use of newer technologies which allow the students to interact directly with the teacher, as opposed to the use of chat rooms in the Beta Test.
So, where is the Math Club today?
We are in a hold position due to a lack of resources. As we wait for the IRS to approve our application for non-profit charity status, we are unable to promise to prospective donors that their investment in the future of our Best and Brightest will be tax-deductible.
Rather than scatter what resources we do have, we elected to continue to develop, and we have now launched a Beta Test for our Debate Club. With our limited resource of volunteers we need to focus, and right now the Debate Club students are realizing the results of our efforts.
