TM
...where students
assemble a model of
a computer that is
big enough to walk
through...
Is More Than A Field Trip...
Let's Build a Computer allows students to
assemble a model of a computer that is big
enough to stand inside! Students spend about
two hours assembling the inside and outside of a
computer - only the model and components are 12
times their normal sizes!
Participants receive a hands-on primer about what
makes a computer work. In the process, learn
about safety, teamwork, careers, and why all
school subjects are important in an age of
technology.
By the way, the computer model can be
disassembled in about twenty minutes so it can be
ready to be built over and over again!
Provides...
The bigger-than-life model computer with
cpu, monitor, keyboard, mouse, etc.
All necessary tools and equipment
On-site training and media materials
Classroom preview curriculum
Certificates of completion
Kids' magazines to take home
The Site/Sponsor Provides...
A physical location
The students
The "lead engineer"
Pre-curriculum,
4 pages
Post-curriculum,
8 pages
How Did This Project Get Started?
Ribs
Timing is right
Makes sense for all involved
•Community
•Business
•Education
Fits my background
What Got Me Started?
Lucky me:
•Choices
•New math
•Back to basics
•Not a born mathematician
•Careers sum up life and work experiences
•The perfect career…several times
…where are we
planning for this
project to go?
Operational Plan
Develop business plan
•Set up corporation / define roles / acquire
trademarks
•Develop paper, write curriculum, build prototype
•Market the product and the company
•Start in Texas / go national in year two
•Build on history with a high-tech twist
•Market to colleges
•Approach applicable corporations for crossmarketing
•Make a deal with a college system
•Be strict with the budget
•Position ourselves for future business
•Have a back-up plan
Have a Great
Partner !
Strategic/Tactical Plans
Vision
Although the acquisition of knowledge is the result of
many variables, the environment in which a student
learns is often thought to be the most influential
factor in the determination of student success.
To that end, there exists a need to establish a
company that will provide for the availability of a
program that enhances students' academic,
technical, and workplace knowledge and skills within
a contextual-learning environment. The company
shall be chartered under the name of Cutting Edge
Education, LLC.
Strategic/Tactical Plans
Mission
The company, Cutting Edge Education, LLC, shall
provide for the establishment and development of a
program at appropriate educational sites that shall
give students the opportunity to experience an
academic, hands-on learning activity that provides an
environment.
This opportunity shall be conducive to the fostering
of academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, critical
thinking, and citizenship.
The program shall be called Let’s Build A Computer!.
Strategic/Tactical Plans
Strategic Plan
The following strategic growth elements shall be
followed so as to guide the LBAC’s long-range
viability:
Organizational Growth and Development
• management, financial, & employee resources
Project Growth and Development
• operational, curricular, & fund-raising activities
Concept Growth and Development
• name recognition, public relations, & mediapaid advertising
Strategic/Tactical Plans
Tactical Plan
All immediate operational needs of the program shall
support the strategic growth elements.
Goals Structure
Appropriate goals, objectives, and related activities
shall be structured to ensure the success of the
program. All are available for the pre-curriculum, the
demonstration project, and the kids’ magazine.
What Makes a LBAC Site Successful?
The following factors are critical to the success of
a host site for a Let’s Build A Computer project:
•Providing proper emphasis on the needs and
demands of the college as a sponsor;
•Placing the project in a community college where
workforce development issues and the importance
of corporate partnerships are understood;
•Finding a permanent venue and the right
facilitator for the project at the chosen site;
•Providing a quality program, materials, and
support with an emphasis on customer service;
What Makes a LBAC Site Successful?
•Providing proper training for the facilitator;
•Maintaining good communication between the
Let’s Build A Computer staff, the site contact, and
the state and local partners;
•Understanding the dynamics of the host
institution and its bureaucracy; and,
•Providing periodic feedback for all involved to
promote the idea of continuous and ongoing
improvement.
What Makes a LBAC Site Successful?
Let’s Build A Computer recognizes that these
factors are vital to the success of the project and
the College’s return on its investment.
Let’s Build A Computer is committed to
implementing these initiatives and sharing results
with the College staff and board.
Howard College Specifics...
Let’s Build A Computer provides a set, basic
format but is flexible enough to meet the individual
needs of individual college campuses. We will:
•Provide the program twice each week of the Fall
and Spring semesters;
•Offer the program to all fifth-grade students in our
service area;
•Have refreshments during the demonstration;
Howard College Specifics...
•Provide a free t-shirt and certificate to each
student;
•Use the project as an orientation for students at
our deaf campus (SWCID);
•Use the project as a component of our summer
college for kids;
•Use the project for staff development; and,
•Try to involve high school students and faculty
whenever possible.
Advantages for Colleges as Sites...
An increase in the following would also be
expected as a result of placing the Let’s Build A
Computer project on a college campus:
•Positive, on-campus educational experiences for
students and parents, teachers, the College, and
community partners;
•Interaction and marketing opportunities for the
College with local business and industry partners;
•Opportunities for the College to involve local
governmental and community leaders with
constituents by bringing them together with the
college administration, faculty, staff, and other
participants;
Advantages for Colleges as Sites...
•Effective partnerships among the College and other
workforce and economic development groups;
•Positive educational media/PR for the College,
the site, and other partners;
•Community involvement and awareness for the
College;
•Opportunities for local governmental and
community leaders to participate in leadership and
communications training;
•Demonstrations taught by college, educational
professionals;
Advantages for Colleges as Sites...
•Demonstrations that help students better
understand the importance of mathematics,
English, science, social studies, art, and physical
education in real world situations as a result of
being located in a college setting;
•Opportunities to talk with students about staying
in school, off drugs, and out of trouble during a
visit to a college campus;
•Hands-on, contextual learning experiences for
the participants as they work in a future learning
environment;
Advantages for Colleges as Sites...
•Relationships with the school districts in or near
the identified urban or rural community who are
always happy to get their students to participate in
events on a college campus; and,
•Elements that may be used as part of another
college event such as an open house, adult
continuing education program, "kid's college," etc.,
thereby, stretching the impact of the sponsorship.
The Bottom Line - LBAC Promotes...
•A world-class, contextual, learning project for
students in grades 4+ that emphasizes a high-tech
academic education
•A positive experience learning about math,
science, communications, physics, etc. while on a
college campus ( or other learning site )
•The perfect opportunity to talk with students
about staying in school, off drugs, and out of
gangs
•A positive attitude about the world of work and
hope for the future
•A way to help "close the gaps" between school
and college
Questions?