Website or game development

OVERVIEW & RESEARCH

Web-based instruction and commerce is the way of the 21st century. Mobile technology is quickly becoming the preferred method of sharing information. Best of all, web site, mobile application and game on can be done by anyone at any age. If you have any interest in technology, you have the change to truly make a difference.

When researching your project, consider the following questions, which should help you plan the year-long development of your web site or mobile app:

  • What kind of web site, game or mobile app do you believe would truly make a difference? Should it serve education or improve the world?
    • What is needed but does not exist?
  • What are some examples of sites and apps that currently make a difference?
    • Hint: barnesclass.com is one that serves a relatively small audience, but makes a huge difference; it took years to create.
      • Is there something similar that might benefit our whole school district or education worldwide?
    • How about something like Facebook, created in roughly a year by a young college student?
    • Think of an app, such as a QR code creator/reader. Is this a difference maker?
    • Is there a game that doesn't exist yet that can be a "game changer?"
  • What major factors are involved in creating your site or app?
  • To create your own, what support do you need and who will provide it?
    • Do you need a technology expert? A hacker? A code writer? 
    • Do you need a company like Apple or IBM behind your project?
  • What kind of budget do you require, and where will the money come from?
  • What other issues/questions can you come up with along the way?

PLANNING

Consider that you have roughly 24 weeks to complete your project. We will have three checkpoints (grading periods). You should work backwards from the end of the school year, when your organization is complete to the end of each quarter. What will be completed by the end of each 9-week grading period, heading into June?

Break down each quarter into smaller checkpoints.

  • For example, your research and written plan should be finished by November 30th.
  • Do you need to meet anyone in the industry to get help or information? When will those meetings take place? Hint: you need to plan far in advance to meet business people.
  • If you need support from community or school members, plan on getting it and set a goal for when you'll have it in place.
  • When will your financial plan be complete?
  • Other checkpoints?

MATERIALS & PROCEDURES

To complete your project, you will need to use a variety of tools and skills. Please use as many of the following as possible to demonstrate mastery of the applications and expertise in these areas of language arts:

  • Numerous sources for research -- books, web sites, encyclopedias; Noodle Tools will be used to complete the research
  • Your Barnesclass.com web site, including the message board and a special web page that leads me to all parts of your project
  • A Diigo group, containing at least 10 web sites that demonstrate ongoing research and production
  • A variety of web tools that contribute in some way to your project and demonstrate expertise in the use of these applications -- see the web tools page for help
  • Writing throughout the project that supports it:
    • advertising
    • instructions
    • brochures
    • posters
    • proposals
    • e-mails
    • requests for assistance
    • speeches
  • What else? your own materials and procedures, which you clear with me