On-Line Information Technology Projects: Overview

On-line Information Technology Projects
One Term Graphics and Design Projects

Project Description
The on-line information technology projects offered through this program will be completed under the guidance of a professional 'tech coach' working in a related field. During the course of their involvement, students will complete a personal (on-line resume) Web site and one larger Web site of their (or their teacher's) choice. (We have suggestions for those students who do not have ideas for the larger Web site project.) Work may be done in the classroom or outside school. Students will have the opportunity to submit their project to their tech coach at key points during production for critique and recommendations. On a daily basis students can correspond with support staff (Mentoring Network staff and college interns) regarding technical and design problems. In most cases students will receive a response within 12 hours. All on-line correspondence with tech coaches or interns is handled via an anonymous forwarding arrangement through the Mentoring Network' office and is screened by staff. No last names or identifying information is allowed in any correspondence or in any material posted on the Web. (See Privacy and Security.) All Students are provided with an on-site account and do not need an e-mail account to participate.

Objective
Our objective is to help develop information technology skills and fluency in high school students by matching them with adult professionals working in the information technology fields and involving them in on-line training and projects. Wherever possible these projects will result in end products with real world value.

Subject Areas
The on-line projects will help participating students develop skills that fall under a variety of subject areas:

Language Arts
Graphic Arts
Communication Arts
Computer Proficiency

Classroom Use
School staff may enroll students who desire to work on individual projects under the guidance of a professional in the field. Although other options are available, work may be done in class during school hours. Student participants will need a computer work station with Internet access and permission to download software to the computer. Teachers or other school contact staff may request weekly reports from Insite Mentoring Network staff regarding the student's progress and have access to the student's on-line account to view works in progress.

Student Outcomes

Web Production Project
Print Graphics Project
Animation Project
Digital Art Project
Digital Photography
35 mm Photography Project

Teacher's Role
School staff who enroll a student in an on-line project will serve as contact for the program staff if problems arise during that student's participation. Teachers or other school staff do not need to have any technical knowledge or expertise to serve as the student's contact. School contacts may request weekly student progress reports and have access to student on-site accounts where projects may be viewed during production.(See www.mentoringnetwork.org/Huron/classwork99.html) Teachers and other school staff are invited to submit ideas for on-line projects, critique projects already created or request projects specially designed for subject area curriculums.