A "Saving the world with FileMaker Pro" project proposed by Joel M.Bowers & Associates
Assumptions
The premise or underlying assumption for this project is that the world will be a better place if we can educate more of it's inhabitants in more subjects. I think it should be possible to remove the limits on adult education which often require physical presence of the student, fixed schedules based on instructor availability and cost per student based on classroom space limitations.
Summary
I am proposing to develop a way to meter out educational or informational material in a way that fits with widely varying schedules and conflicting personal priorities. This development project will require a grant to support the effort and some content or content provider to help with the initial testing and implementation of a trial of the newly designed system.
The concept in short is to provide a user controlled delivery of course content via email and website coordination. The goal is to provide some sort of user biased deadline/pressure for continuing to study but allowing a lot of flexibility to accommodate the fact that people have other priorities that tend to "get in the way". In theory, a series of email reminders and motivational messages would attempt to remind those falling behind to get back on course but allow individual based course delivery speed and completion schedule.
The content would allow for piecemeal delivery and some feedback mechanism to insure that content was received and digested before delivering some or each sequel.
Student Controls
The student should be able to control...
Study material per session (pages, reading minutes, homework minute goals)
How frequently to schedule sessions (nominal) coupled with
Course completion goal
Obtain the next session immediately upon completion of the previous session.
Choice from a wide variety of content
Cost control choices
Tuition free courses with the sponsorship or included advertising
Advertising free material by paying prorated costs
Etc.
Seeking interested parties
If you are interested in helping with this project please contact me at jmba@jmba.com.
