The George Lucas Educational Foundation opens its doors in 1991 and begins exploring ways of using emerging interactive technology to enhance learning.
While the technology is exciting, it becomes clear that schools are unable to easily integrate new technology and, more importantly, that there is a fundamental lack of information available about best practices in learning and teaching.
The Foundation, co-founded by George Lucas and Steve Arnold, decides to document and disseminate the best examples of what works in schools and to focus its storytelling on the medium that George Lucas knows best: film.
Lucas and Arnold believe that when the public “sees” how successful classrooms function, through documentary films and other media, there will be greater consensus on the changes needed in our schools.
The Foundation produces a documentary called Learn & Live about five leading schools using project-based learning, technology, and community partnerships to strengthen learning. Hosted by Robin Williams, the film ultimately airs on dozens of PBS stations around the country.
The Foundation distributes 100,000 kits that pair the film with a companion book to states, districts, and education conferences.
“All of us who make motion pictures are teachers -- teachers with very loud voices -- but we will never be able to match the power of the teacher who whispers in a student's ear.”
— George Lucas
Propelled by his own disappointing experiences at school, George Lucas begins exploring ways to apply his expertise and resources to improving education. With input from leaders in education, he decides to focus his efforts on helping people understand and improve the learning process.