Question

Anybody actually using the 'catapult' thing?

Answer 1

Wanna know what its like

Answer 2

Everyone but me.

Answer 3

well that makes two of us

Answer 4

Hi @apple_pi - thanks for the question.

So, the idea of Catapult (weak though it may be ;) ) is one of motivation basically. There are many students that don't have the internal motivation that is needed to do well at school. Here on OpenStudy, we have a *ton* of people who are motivated, engaged, and basically love to learn. The more interesting group, however, are those who originally came to OpenStudy just to ask questions/get help, and eventually found themselves answering questions, getting involved, and *enjoying* their learning.

So, what Catapult does is help a student do a couple of things regarding motivation around academics:
1) They set an academic goal. Very important.
2) They make it public, and are therefore publicly accountable for their goal.
3) The money acts as an incentive to create a goal in the first place.
4) By being introduced to OpenStudy, they are shown a community of learners who enjoy learning, and make it fun.

So, this is the main idea behind Catapult in a short, abridged form.

Please let me know if you have any more questions! Also, we are working (extremely) hard on getting the international access working fyi. Cheers!