New Orleans students in several schools are experiencing a new way to learn through new software called the "I Can Learn®" educational system. This software was developed to assist teachers in implementing the National Content Standards and attaining Goals 2000. Mayors had the opportunity to see a demonstration of the software at an afternoon workshop on Monday, June 14. Mayor Marc H. Morial noted that this software has been so successful in several New Orleans schools that "I would like to see it incorporated into every school in New Orleans."

"I Can Learn software elevates classroom computers from enrichment and remediation to create the first full-time, self-paced curriculum teaching tool. Because students learn at their own pace, the teacher is free to teach one-on-one in the classroom, and becomes a true facilitator of learning. Students who complete their entire coursework before the end of the school year are enrolled in distance learning programs via the Internet with top-level universities, such as Stanford and Harvard, and earn college credit while still in high school.

Nearly 10,000 students across the country are currently using the software, including schools in Louisiana, New Jersey, Florida, and Texas. The failure rate is very low, and program statistics prove it. Students that use it learn 53 percent faster and retain 37 percent more knowledge than students taught in traditional classrooms. Student Leron Smith praised the new software, stating "I can learn at my own pace and enjoy the learning process through the personal tutor I have on the computer."