CyberFair Project ID: 7730

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International Schools CyberFair Project Narrative
Title: The Heart of Central Islip
Category: 3. Business and Community Organizations
URL: http://heartofci.weebly.com/
Bibliography: http://heartofci.weebly.com/works-cited.html

School: Central Islip High School
    Central Islip, New York, USA

9 students, ages 16-18 worked together to complete this CyberFair project on March 4, 2014. They have participated in CyberFair in the following year(s): never

Classes and Teachers: Dr. Anthony Griffin

E-Mail contact:

Our School's Web Site: http://

Project Overview

1. Description of Our Community

Central Islip is a diverse community located in central Long Island in New York. The racial makeup of the CDP was 43.6% White, 25.0% African American (U.S. Census), 3.4% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 5.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 52.1% of the population, foreign born persons is 34.7% of the population. There are 7 elementary schools, 1 high school, and 2 parochial schools in the town. It is labeled a 'high-tax, low-wealth' district.

2. Summary of Our Project

Our project was created to investigate and celebrate Central Islip by highlighting aspects of CI that are well-known by those within the community. However, those from other communities may know CI by news stories. We broke down the community to different groups, students paired up to research their chosen groups, and compiled their findings on the Heart of CI website. One student was entrusted with designing the website and another with recording their progress.

3. Our Computer and Internet Access

A. Percentage of students using the Internet at home:more than 50%

B. Number of workstations with Internet access in the classroom:2-3

C. Connection speed used in the classroom:dedicated connection

D. Number of years our classroom has been connected to the Internet:more than 6

4. Problems We Had To Overcome

We were fortunate to have new Surface tablets given to the students. We were unable to use Skype, OneNote, and other features of the tablet that originally intrigued us. We reverted back to using email, Dropbox, and texts to communicate rather than the integrated features of the new technology.

5. Our Project Sound Bite

A great opportunity to investigate what and who make our community great and share it with the world.

6. How did your activities and research for this CyberFair Project support standards, required coursework and curriculum standards?

This project was a great experience to figure out how to better integrate new technologies into classroom procedures. Participation in the CyberFair allowed us the opportunity to try new programs to collaborate and produce a webpage. Using the Internet moved the time for teaching and learning beyond the brick and mortar of the classroom walls.

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Project Elements

1) What information tools & technologies did you used to complete your CyberFair project?

10 Microsoft Surface Tablets, 2 iPads, Internet websites for community organizations, phones to text, record, research, and collaborate, classroom tower computers.

The computer technology allowed us access to research and means to communicate and collaborate. The students were allowed to use the tablets and iPads one-to-one. These tools were bought as part of a grant. The most valuable tool the tablet as the students complete the greatest amount of work on the tablets.

2) In what ways did you act as "ambassadors" and spokespersons for your CyberFair project both on-line and in person.

The students called and visited individuals from local organizations and businesses to complete this webpage for the CyberFair. This required communicating the purpose of the interviews and conversations which was participation in the CyberFair. Moving forward, the groups and organizations look forward to visiting the page.

3) What has been the impact of your project on your community?

This site is titled 'The Heart of CI.' The goal for the website is to showcase the great people and actions of our community and help provide a forum for like-minded, community members together through student leadership. The individuals and groups that participated are excited to be apart of this experience and look forward to continued participation. The website will be promoted through the school newspaper and through the participating groups.

4) How did your project involve other members of your community as helpers and volunteers?

The members of the project team got to know people from the community better. Future projects may include collaborative efforts to help make the community better. The community members were very supportive and excited to see high school students take an active role in their town's activities and goals.

5) Discoveries, Lessons and Surprises (Optional)

The project has not led to any awards or recognitions, but it is intended to continue to grow.

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View our CyberFair Project (Project ID: 7730)

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