In response to an Aspen Institute report on learning and the internet, HASTAC and the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation have announced a call for innovations that build trust online, enabling learners to engage in online learning experiences that are both safe and private. 

This $1.2 million Trust Challenge aims to "foster trust in online learning environments and help educators harness ... online networks." The challenge offers grants of up to $150,000 to groups with promising innovations for building trusted environments online so that learners "can safely and confidently access the rich learning opportunities the Internet affords," says David Theo Goldberg, a HASTAC board member.

The application becomes available September 3 and is open to museums, libraries, schools and school districts, higher education institutions, community organizations/nonprofits, and others committed to building trust in connected learning environments. Successful projects will develop digital projects and tools designed to build privacy, security, and safety into its digital offerings and build awareness around data and trust. Projects might include web or online applications, digital badge systems, data management platforms, online learning content or other innovations.

For more information visit www.dmlcompetition.net or contact Sheryl Grant, Director of Social Networking for the HASTAC/MacArthur Foundation Digital Media and Learning Competition at sheryl.grant@duke.edu.