OpenWorld Learning.

• Author: Daley, Nora
• Position: NONPROFIT

THERE ARE PLENTY OF AFTER-SCHOOL programs available for elementary at id school students, but OpenWorld Learning tries to offer something different. The Denver-based company uses digital technology to provide Science, Technology,

Engineering and Mathematics STEM programs to students in seven Denver Public Schools. The programs take place from 3 p.m., when the schools 'computer labs would otherwise sit empty.

"Mom and dad can work a few more hours, while we liven up those computer labs in low-income areas." says Dean Abrams, CE0 of Open-World Learning.

The curriculum received the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) Seal of Alignment for Proficiency with the National Educational Technology Standards for Students, which means students can demonstrate certain skills when they complete each curriculum. The key, Abrams says, is to teach kids in a way that engages them, with fun computer graphics and animation. "They learn through discovery," he says. "They don't learn by the teacher saying, 'You're wrong, the answer is four."

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OpenWorld Learning is funded by donations and grants. Abrams became CE0 two years ago, after selling his software company. He was offered a job at the nonprofit, he...