[Off-topic] GCq1w2e3:
Let me preface all of this by saying:

I'm looking for input and help on my project, I'd love to answer any clarifying questions anyone might have. I'm trying to put my idea out there beyond the academic world/my social groups/peers/family members/etc. I've been getting a lot of positive feedback and emotional support but not much hands on help and mentoring. I'm sort of stuck in terms of upward movement without proper funding so, in addition to applying for competitions and grants, this is another way I'm trying to spread my project.

Simply put, I was one of those kids that was known in my class for disliking school. I never had trouble getting good grades, I had plenty of friends, I participated in lacrosse, played percussion in the band, and I was very involved in ceramics. However, when it came down to it, nothing I was learning academically was captivating. It seemed like I was piling on one distraction after another to get away from the fact that I had this burning desire to be passionate about what I was learning that wasn't being met. It wasn't until my junior year at West Chester University that I was introduced to a dialog style classroom. It was so much more engaging and interesting to hear and discuss other people's perspectives on the topic, using their own experiences to frame how they saw today's problems.

In class education and online education is not engaging enough. Students rarely have the opportunity to share and have a dialog about their perspectives on the topic. There is a huge disconnect between what is being taught and what students experience on a daily basis and it has caused me to see that our education system lacks a comprehensive way of connecting individual perceptions to the logical education framework.

Allowing students to interact in a structured dialog platform that leads the conversation into an area of sharing perspectives and developing a personal connection to the topic will allow for more interested and engaged students, critical/creative thinking and a passion for life long education. It also allows a safe space to raise concerns or issues the students are curious about. I want to create an optionally anonymous online structured dialog platform that is to be used as a supplement to traditional methods of teaching. I want to provide students a safe space and allow them the opportunity to share their experiences that are relevant to the topic and help each other broaden their world view. I want to inspire passion in education.

I believe if I can introduce this method to schools that are in need, they'll have more passionate kids graduating and going to universities. Unfortunately, I also understand that these same teachers are also pressed for time, must use their own funds to buy classroom supplies, and have to teach to the test in order to receive proper funding.

The dialog platform aims to influence students to have a dialog outside of the classroom, online. That's why I want to target universities first; I hope to inspire passion early on in students so they aren't wasting too much money trying to figure things out, especially with the insane increase in tuition costs. I want to show them that anything you choose can be an advantage depending on how you use it. I want to introduce passion back into the classroom and allow students to see that we all have limitless potential.

After an initial MVP is set up and tested in a classroom setting, I'd like to market my proof of concept to MOOC's to increase their 7-15% completion rate. Eventually I'd like to see a pro bono service provided for high schools in need to set up their dialog platform. I want students to understand that just because the options aren't presented right in front of you, it doesn't mean there aren't tons available to you; it just takes commitment, creativity, passion, time, and practice.

I'd love to answer any questions, receive feedback, your vote if you like my idea Place Vote Here (you can vote 3 times daily, top 3 projects gets a chance to win $3,000) and if you know anyone that may be interested in helping/joining me in trying to create this platform, please send them my way.

If you do in fact like my idea, it would mean the world to me if you'd spread it along your social and professional networks. The prize money isn't as important as the exposure I'm trying to gain for my project. I'm really looking for dedicated and talented individuals who want to be part of my project.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this. You can contact me at Glenn.Chon[at]gmail.com