Service Learning: Simulating a Real-World Commercial Enterprise
From Angela Yang-Handy, Student Affairs: Two sections of the CS150: Web Page Construction course have been simulating a commercial web page development enterprise this semester by working on service-learning projects with community partners. Matt Onyon (Computer Science) has been teaching both sections of the course and describes the process:
“We began this real-world simulation by working with Angela Yang-Handy to retain what we call ‘class clients.’ We met with the clients at the beginning of the semester to gather their organization’s ideas and wishes. As the semester progressed, we built a viable, interactive, and, hopefully, attractive site. At the end of this semester, the clients will return for an unveiling and brief instruction session on maintaining their site.
“One section of CS150 has been working with Jeremy Miller, director of Extended Learning & Out-of-School Programs for the ACCESS Program, which is a local after-school nonprofit organization comprised of eight sites in southwestern New Hampshire. Jeremy asked the class to construct a website with an informative section for each of the eight sites and to build in communication and online registration capabilities. The second section of CS150 has been working with Amanda Costello from the Cheshire County Conservation District (CCCD) to develop a website. Amanda has requested the construction of a website that provides general information about CCCD, several sections that include CCCD’s interactions with farms, forestry, and landowners, and a section related to donations and volunteerism.”
In addition to this semester’s website construction projects, last spring Matt Onyon’s CS150 course partnered with a local nonprofit organization, LifeArt, to develop its website. LifeArt has been highly complimentary of the website, which can be accessed at http://www.lifeartkeene.org/.
If you are interested in learning more about the Keene State College Service Learning Program, please visit the program’s website or e-mail Angela Yang-Handy, Service Learning Coordinator, at ayanghandy@keene.edu.
