The virtual interactive classroom introduces a compelling distance-learning experience by combining video with mobile phone based messaging. During initial pilot courses delivered through the Bangladesh Open University, this new approach to learning has shown increased student retention and improved performance. Relative to traditional distance learning courses, students feel more engaged in these interactive classes where they receive immediate feedback and can connect via their mobile phones to other students and to the teacher. This approach also reduces the cost of providing quality education in under-served regions and enables good instructors to serve more students while maintaining a high standard of quality.

The non-profit UnaMesa Association, in conjunction with the Bangladeshi Soft-ED - the inventors of the virtual interactive classroom methodology - propose establishing a virtual interactive classroom web service to support teachers and institutions who want to offer virtual interactive classes. We believe that such services could significantly improve the accessibility of quality education in under-served regions and that the demand for such services could be very strong. Several educational organizations have already expressed interest in using these tools. Institutions in Ghana, Mongolia, and South Africa are currently considering plans to offer such services to their students.

To develop and offer the virtual interactive classroom service on a global basis, the UnaMesa Association and Soft-Ed are seeking partnerships with organizations willing to invest in creating new educational opportunities. We plan to fund development of this project through a combination of grants, investments, and customer guarantees.

Please direct all partnership inquiries to Greg Wolff (GregWolff@unamesa.org), President of the UnaMesa Association.