Schools Online is committed to working with under-resourced schools to build sustainable programs and models that support students' use of information and communication technologies to enhance their learning. Our programs provide the means by which students can connect to the Internet and participate in cross-cultural dialogues and projects worldwide. We have learned that three basic elements are necessary to promote effective online communication among students: Technology, Teacher Development, and Cross-cultural Collaborative Projects.

Technology
Schools Online selects schools that reflect a fair representation of a country's demographic and geographic diversity and have limited or no access to the Internet. We work with schools to determine the most appropriate technology and connectivity solutions to meet their needs, providing technology to create Internet Learning Centers (ILCs). In general, ILCs are comprised of one to ten or more Pentium-class PCs, two printers (laser & color), a scanner, a digital camera and router and are installed in schools, usually by local vendors.

Teacher Development
We work with local and international education partners to identify teachers and trainers with experience in teaching technology skills and project-based learning activities. These partners provide basic computer and Internet training, teacher professional development, management of online collaborative projects, maintenance of online teacher and student communities, and general support to teachers.

To insure that the Internet is used to its fullest potential, teachers learn how to integrate the Internet into their daily classroom activities. In workshops, teachers learn computer skills, about online educational resources, web site design and development, and how to design online collaborative projects.

Cross-cultural Collaborative Projects
Collaborative projects provide an effective format for students to communicate with their peers worldwide on issues that effect their lives today and in the future. Schools Online encourages projects that exemplify international, Internet-based collaborations that greatly enhance quality and frequency of communication among students. For examples, see projects listed in the collaborative project page.

We consider everyone involved in Schools Online programs a partner. From students and their parents to Ministers of Education, everyone has roles and responsibilities that keep Schools Online's programs growing in the most effective directions. Teachers and administrators, vendors, Internet Service Providers, local communities, funders and business partners all play an important part in the Schools Online effort.

Online Resources
Beyond the three basic program elements described above, Schools Online has found that making fundamental resources freely available online and in print, and in various languages, helps with program planning. These resource have the potential to shorten the time needed by teachers to learn how to use the Internet for teaching and learning. Our Website has a variety of resources, such as technical diagrams and guides, booklets that help plan for sustaining programs, and an online mentoring site to help teachers incorporate the Internet into their teaching and classroom activities.