project.html

L503 Project Materials

SeniorCyberNet, Inc.
This section of L503 is a community service course. Therefore, students will be working for a community organization -- in this case, SeniorCyberNet, Inc., a nonprofit that is designed to teach older adults how to use computers. While some of the work may be done at SLIS, most will have to be done at SCN's headquarters, in the Bloomington Adult Community Center (BACC), 349 S. Walnut St., in downtown Bloomington. Bus service and free parking are available. BACC is about a 30 min. walk from the Main Library. BACC is open from 8-5 weekdays. For more information about SeniorCyberNet, see:
http://seniorcybernet.org (SCN website, in the process of major revision). Fall 1998 L503 project reports are on reserve in the SLIS library.

Project Objectives

To give students an opportunity to turn LIS theory about user needs and behavior into professional practice.
To improve students' understanding of how to develop or customize information services for clients.
To understand in greater depth what user-centered design entails -- and the "real world" problems encountered in trying to be a user-centered professional.
To reinforce the crucial notions for an information professional that "learning is doing", "information is communication", and "the customer is king".

Possible Projects

Database -- Continue developing FilemakerPro 4.1 databases started last semester. Databases contain information about: addresses; membership; volunteers. Students choosing this project should have some experience with FilemakerPro or be willing to learn it on their own.

Website -- Develop some aspect of the SCN website, depending on the needs of the organization. Students who choose this project should have some experience with html.

SeniorCyberNet Cafe -- The SCN cyber cafe is in need of an information system to recruit, schedule and train volunteers, keep financial records, promote itself, and interface with Technical Support staff. Students who select this project will choose from among some of these tasks. Must be available Tuesday afternoons for this project.

Technical Support System -- Help set up and manage the equipment in the SCN computer lab and cafe. Work with senior volunteers to develop a technical support training and management system. Students who choose this project should be experienced users of the Windows98 operating system. Knowledge of Local Area Networking using an ethernet network is desirable but not required.

Instructional Support -- Work with volunteer computer trainers and managers to create instructional materials both for patrons and instructors.