June 2002 — Applications

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Philadelphia Students Gain Real-World Experience From Web and Graphics Design Curriculum

By Anne Marie Urevick

Effective Electronic Communication

Pat Walder, an instructor and technology coordinator at Roxborough High School, is enthusiastic about the potential of the Web design curriculum to teach students effective communication across any medium. "Creating visuals and writing text for the Web requires a different approach than laying out stories for magazines or on video," she says. "Whether it's presented on screen or in print, students need to learn how to engage their audience with clear, concise communication. It's a skill that will serve them well, no matter what they do later in life."

Apparently, Roxborough High School students share Walder's enthusiasm. What started out as one Fundamentals of Web Design course with 33 students in fall 2001, quickly grew into two courses with a total of 66 students. Eventually, a third introductory Web design course was added for spring 2002. "The hands-on design coursework is vital for students," says Walder. "They learn how to work alone, work together and manage multiple tasks simultaneously. And just as importantly, they learn to better trust their own creativity to share ideas and experiences unique to their lives."

For more information on the Cisco Networking Academy Program, visit www.cisco.com/warp/public/779/edu/academy.

Anne Marie Urevick
Philadelphia teacher;
Cisco Networking Academy
Program Coordinator

Contact Information
Adobe Systems Inc.
San Jose, CA
(800) 833-6687
www.adobe.com