Some schools and districts have a formal standing committee charged with developing and maintaining strong community relations. At Damascus High School in Montgomery County, Maryland, the computer science and graphic arts teachers hatched an idea that is now part of the school's Signature Program, linking technology with career majors. They developed a Web design course in which students learn the creative and technical aspects of designing Web sites. A staff member at the high school responsible for student internships networks with businesses in the community to identify program participants. The program offers significant benefits to the business partners as well as to the students.
Technology is used to support partnerships between schools and communities.
Classroom teachers feel empowered and comfortable with using technology to establish and maintain links outside the classroom. Arrange for an online chat with a biologist with expertise on the subject. Identify Web sites for students to explore with photographs of flora and fauna specific to the Everglades. Find and show to students a video that documents changes in the ecosystem. Assign students Internet research on the factors that threaten the ecological balance.