All You Wanted to Know About Computers

I. Briefly review the project proposal form. Discuss the project theme, outline and time line; review the project and curriculum objectives.

In discussions with our district Grassroots representative, Andrea Neville, a project idea was developed that would give quick and understandable information about computer issues and concepts for a Communications Technology 2104 course. Students working in groups of two were given a brief introduction to HTML editors and given a broad base in which to chose their topic from. Each group was given six one-hour in-class periods to develop and design their web page(s). All web pages were linked to the School Web site immediately upon completion.

II. Show the audience the outcome of the project proposal.

Results and a tour of the project can be seen at: http://www.herdman.k12.nf.ca/grassroots/

III. Briefly comment on any successes or problems that were encountered throughout the life of the project.

Many students were amazed at the ease at which they could develop a web page, and it became the format of choice in other projects in the course. The immediate publishing of group web pages motivated other groups to complete better web pages. In an effort to simplify the instruction and improve the quality of webs, an on-line tutorial of Internet Explorer was used. This was a long and comprehensive tutorial and students felt pressured to complete the project in the time given. Some groups did not have a good group dynamic and as result were asked to complete the task individually. Students used only one on-line source for their information.

IV. Comment on any aspects of the project that you would do differently.

The students should have a lead-up assignment or longer instruction on HTML editors. Students were given very little time to include graphics of their own design. Also, we required more sources in the completion of the project with references.

V. Comment on if and how the project can be expanded next year.

Try to include other classes and/or schools in the completion of the project using e-mail communications.