A high percentage of inner city public school students are at risk for school failure. Technology, specifically computers in the classroom and access to the Internet present exciting learning opportunities. The challenge is how to engage the students. An on-line Web Based School Newspaper (WBSN) for students is proposed. WBSN permits students to publish their work product and helps them learn computers, reading and writing, in a fun way that offers immediate feedback and gratification. The ease of use of the intuitive "point and click" Internet paradigm is key. WBSN is a learning environment, a platform, and gateway to knowledge and self-confidence.Phase I research determines the feasibility of WBSN in four Cleveland Empowerment Zone elementary schools, prototypes the technology, addresses how to make the technology accessible to young students and their teachers, and determines how to integrate the technology into the curriculum.Summary of anticipated results and implications:Phase I will determine the feasibility of an on-line Web-Based School Newspaper as a Learning Tool for Young At-Risk Students (WBSN) in four Cleveland Empowerment Zone elementary schools. It prototypes the technology and addresses how to make the technology accessible to young students and their teachers.Phase II envisions implementing the WBSN in other selected Empowerment Zone public schools. Empowerment Zone communities (in other cities) will be included in the Phase II development in order to broaden the testing environment and add another dimension of excitement for the students, as they are able to collaborate with their far-away peers. The fundamental question to resolve during Phase II will be "Does the WBSN engage students and help them learn?"Successful Phases I and II will produce a sophisticated, simple-to-use, and inexpensive technology that engages young at risk students to learn and is ready to market commercially. The competing products are designed mainly for major newspapers, very complex, and expensive. The WBSN will find a ready market well beyond elementary schools and include a very broad range of organizations that produce small newspapers and newsletter.
