The Open Networking University-introducing Social learning
The Open Networking University is the world's first [social]networking university that hopes to engage and foster organised and desciplined e-learning. This is not just another social start-up, but a not-for-profit learning institution, using a social apporach.
About You
Section 1: About You
First Name
Godspower
Last Name
Oboido
Website
Country
Nigeria
Section 2: About Your Organization
Is your initiative connected to an established organization?
Organization Name
The Open Networking University
Organization Website
Organization Phone
+2348059939301
Organization Address
5 Asabor street off medical Stores Road
Organization Country
Nigeria, ED
Is your organization a
Not registered
How long has this organization been operating?
Less than a year
Your idea
Name Your Project
The Open Networking University-introducing Social learning
Describe your Social Enterprise
The Open Networking University is the world's first [social]networking university that hopes to engage and foster organised and desciplined e-learning. This is not just another social start-up, but a not-for-profit learning institution, using a social apporach.
Country your work focuses on
Nigeria, ED
Innovation
What makes your innovation unique?
Because it is not just another social start-up. The Open Networking University will be the world's first networking universing using a social and uni 2.0 approach to foster online learning for global impact. This idea came at the time when i felt people spent too much time on social networking sites simply posting pictures and comments. I thought there should be more to a networking site than that. I thought that it can actually be a 'network' place for organised social learning. Facebook has not finished making all the money so why wait for them to introduce this type of idea for social learning? The bull must be grabbed by the horn. The honey thing about this idea is that while we foster global online learning amongs peoples of all ages (but young people is the target) we will not cut their social networking fun life, instead it just got better. So we are integrating learning into a social platform or fostering global online learning using a social approach.
Do you have a patent for this idea?
No
Impact
This Entry is about (Issues)
Tell us about the social impact of your innovation. Please include both numbers and stories as evidence of this impact
The Open Networking University has not started operations and only then would the initiative make its global social impact. But since we are revolutionalizing and changing how people learn online, the response is impresive. people are excited about becoming part of the social networking university.
Problem: Describe the primary problem(s) that your innovation is addressing
Addressing the use (and abuse) of social networking sites. Nearly every facebook user spend at least one hour on the site simply posting comments and pictures. If organised and disciplined learning is integrated and upheld, then we would have better social networking teens and youths around the world who would make global impact. Then we must have been networking for good, putting the word networking in good use.
Actions: Describe the steps that you are taking to make your innovation a success. Include a description of the business model. What might prevent that success?
As the founder and president, I am simply knocking on doors i.e. sending proposals online to educational groups and e-learning enthusiasts. I keep modifying the idea, learning the more about the approaches for learning. I am also spreading word about the idea to get general response and participation. My proposal is simply a call to support the future of education. However since The Open Networking University is an educational start-up and yes, not for profit, Venture Capitalist (even edu VC's) of course are not willing to look at the prospect of the idea. Fund raising is the major challenge. Everything about the idea depends on the funding we can receive. For instance the dedicated website of the idea (which is the virtaul University) would not be an easy and cheap one as we would have to integrate several third party e-learning modules and wikis to properly fulfill the aim of fostering global online learning. Although tutors are volunteers, The Open Networking University will maintain a small number of dedicated staffs and tutors to keep the 'business' and community running.
Results: Describe the expected results of these actions over the next three years. Please address each year separately, if possible
It is the vision of the Open Networking University to be the largest university in the world by 2015.
1. At least have about 40,000 people sign up and learn at the university website
2.Engage students in one on one or group exchange research programs for the purpose of partnership research
3. Have the university grow further and become a research partner with accreditted conventional universities
How many people will your project serve annually?
More than 10,000
What is the average monthly household income in your target community, in US Dollars?
Don't know
Does your innovation seek to have an impact on public policy?
Yes
If your innovation seeks to impact public policy, how?
This innovation hopes to motivate and integrate government, social agencies, educational bodies, Venture Capitalists groups and angel investors into participating in online learning and the future of education
Sustainability
What stage is your Social Enterprise in?
Idea phase
Does your organization have a board of directors or an advisory board?
Yes
Does your organization have a non monetary partnerships with NGOs?
No
Does your organization have a non monetary partnerships with businesses?
Yes
Does your organization have a non monetary partnerships with government?
No
Please tell us more about how partnerships could be critical to the success of your Social Enterprise
I have called this innovation a 'Networking' University, thus every form of networking and partnerships would be crucial to the success of the initiative. Men and materials are needed to fulfill our goals.
We would like to learn more about how your initiative is financially supported. Please explain your business plan/revenue model
Currently we are not financially supported by any individual or organization but however we do have a business plan. Since The Open Networking University project is a not for profit, we depend on donations.
The Story
What was the defining moment that led you to this innovation?
As a young social entrepreneur, I felt that too many young people wasted their time on social networking sites. I immediately thought of converting the time these kids spend on social networking sites into using it for learning using a social approach (keeping them engaged through social learning) I knew I did not have to wait for Zuckerberg to think this way or pitch the idea to facebook because they are not through making the millions. I just have to take the bull by the horn (or at least grab it's tail)
Tell us about the person—the social innovator—behind this idea.
Godspower Oboido is a creative young man in every sense. A creative writer and artist, social entrepreneur, inventor, etc, He was nominated in The Future Nigeria Awards where he was celebrated as amongs the 160 of the best and brightest young Nigerians in 2010. He is one of the thinkers of the future.
How did you first hear about Changemakers?
Web Search (e.g., Google or Yahoo)
If through another source, please provide the information
| Attachment | Size |
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| The_Open_Networking_University_Logo.jpg | 233.51 KB |
 | 102 weeks agoGodspower Oboido updated this Competition Entry. |
| 102 weeks agoGodspower Oboido updated this Competition Entry. |
| 102 weeks agoGodspower Oboido submitted this idea. |
