We study the process of turning an idea into a useful software product. As time permits, we also read about and discuss the impact of technology on the community at large. Projects are multimedia in nature, so there is need for students with a broad range of interests and skills. Students with capabilities in such areas as design, art, writing, and social science should find natural roles in the projects, as should students with strong computational skills. There is particular need for students with expertise in databases, website development, and the writing of educational materials.
Students work in interdisciplinary teams to complete the projects.
Philosophy and Prerequisites Fall 2001 will be the second offering of this course. The course is based on new and developing concepts in technology education. Students enrolling in the course should be interested in helping to drive its direction and content. They should be independent learners, willing to take responsibility for learning new material from sources other than textbooks. In particular, they should be prepared to learn from each other and from technical and nontechnical community participants.