“The system we’re building on the bottom is like the iPad itself, and then you have the ability to get access to these applications,” Robinson said.
She added: “We very much like the idea of being able to fuel innovation and to make [learning] resources available to all different sizes of school districts and communities. The other thing that was compelling to us was that there was a huge need from teachers and a huge need from states. We were hearing loud and clear that teachers were willing to jump on board with the implementation of the Common Core State Standards, but you can’t leave them hanging out there by themselves; they need some help.”
Illinois’ inclusion into the program, and the addition of private support, are especially critical for the state, which lost its bid for federal Race to the Top funding last fall. Part of the bid included a similar virtual network that would have cost $25 million over four years.
Illinois schools superintendent Christopher Koch told the Chicago Tribune that the network will provide teachers with “something tangible in their hands.”
The Gates Foundation was drawn to teachers’ requests to be able to collaborate and share learning content.
“The ability to use economies of scale and to help this happen on behalf of the states was really a great opportunity,” Robinson said.
For more on the Common Core standards, see:
Transitioning to the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics
Gates gives $20 million for digital learning, Common Core curriculum
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