Tower Christian School More than MySpace (MtM) Class
Frequently asked questions about the TCS More Than MySpace Class.
How will the class be structured?
Since we are dealing with utilizing the Internet, the core of the class will be handled online. Lessons, assignments, and "tests" will generally be handled through online means. For the Spring 2009 semester, the entire class will be handled online with no "in person" class sessions. However, because modern Internet technology has been evolving away from the "techie working complex code hidden away in a back room somewhere," for students participating during further semesters we will attempt to have one or two actual physical class sessions to have discussions about the people side of technology. More and more development on the Internet is actually based on human interaction, so we really have a growing need to understand what people actually need versus what they think they need. Solving those problems requires "people skills."
Who can participate in the class?
All TCS Youth are eligible to participate in the class. Does it require any special knowledge? No, not really, just a basic familiarity with the Internet. In fact, since you are reading this message, you can rest assured that you meet the qualifications for the class.
Does the class require a PC?
The class does not require a Microsoft Windows based PC, but it does require a computer of some sort. It primarily requires web browser software that can work with scripted interactive sites. That can be an Apple based computer, a Linux based PC, or the Microsoft based world of PC's running Windows variants. As long as you have some means of connecting and doing your classwork through a browser online, then you are set for the class.
Where do I fall in the Internet Skills scale?
In terms of this class, there are three basic levels of skills. Take a quick look at those descriptions and make an honest assessment of where your Internet skills fall:
Basic Skills
If you can use a web browser, but that amounts to most of your Internet exposure, then you generally fall into the Basic Skills category. People in this category have usually participated in online Forums or Discussion Boards, communicate regularly with e-mail, and know what it is like to "surf the web."
Intermediate Skills
People fall into this category when they have created their own web sites, possibly a MySpace page (although the class will have some discussions about this type of thing) or Facebook profile, and have developed their own customized "portals" through any of the many providers on the Internet. Many times they are familiar with subjects such as RSS and mash ups, participate in Instant Messaging, and have found many ways that more of their life and activities involve Internet interaction.
Advanced Skills
People with Advanced Skills have moved beyond the "personal page" issues beginners and intermediate users play with, and have worked on interactive sites. Many have taken the step of working with others to provide content and features that help others in their use of the Internet. Not only are they familiar with the Intermediate level topics, but they have integrated those features into their personal desktops so that they have customized windows into the vast pool of information that is available, and they can manipulate that within the common desktop software packages such as Office suites.
How do I sign up for the class?
Send a sign up request from our Contact Page. For more details you can also sign up for the Student Forum. Inside that forum, in the More than MySpace Class Forum, is more information and contact links for expressing an interest in the class.