The Science, Art and Math Social Online Network is designed to be a place for families to connect with and support each other through the learning process. SAMSON will act as a place to receive information about EE-12 Science, Art and Math curriculum. The social network will allow users to connect with each other, create groups and share information about what is happening in science, art and math. Video, blogs and discussion forums will be used to communicate new educational information as well as share news about MySamson.net.

The Future of MySamson.net

 As the world becomes smaller through the expansion of technology, children are having greater opportunities to learn in new and innovative ways. Online or distance learning is one of the main vehicles that can be used to reach more students without the boundaries of brick and mortar. Some statistics regarding online learning for K-12 students:

• As of September 2006, 38 states have state-led online learning programs, significant policies enabling online education, or both, with an estimated growth of 25% annually.
• In 2002-2003, there were 328,000 distance education enrollments in K-12 public schools (US Department of Education National Center of Education Statistics).
• The Peak Group estimated 2005 online enrollments of 500,000, and projects 1 million online enrollments in 2006.
• There are 147 virtual charter schools with more than 65,000 students in 18 states.
• 72% of school districts with distance education programs planned to expand their online offerings.
• In April 2006, Michigan became first state to require online learning for high school graduation.

(From the North American Council of Online Learning—the leading organization representing the interests of administrators, practitioners, businesses and students involved in online learning in North

MySamson.Net is uniquely designed to serve as both a social network, connecting families interested in an educational dialogue, as well as a distance learning tool for students with an interest in science, art and math. Integrating interactive learning into a social network concept allows for both families and students to be able to collaborate while accomplishing academic objectives. As students complete coursework, academic credit will be rewarded by an accredited K-12 school, Oakland Christian School.