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May 8, 2009 - Twelve students from the C. J. Hooker Middle School have been working collaboratively to develop 21st century “Web 2.0” computer programming skills.

The students, who are a student spin-off group of the Orange-Ulster BOCES “Emerging Technology” group for teachers, meet during one class period every other day in the computer lab. They are exploring the computer program "Active Worlds," which is an interactive, immersive digital world similar to that of popular programs like "The Sims" or "Second Life." However, "Active Worlds" is meant for academic purposes and is run through the Cornell University server.

Students have explored existing interactive worlds and have begun developing interactive virtual simulations that represent different topics learned in this year’s eighth grade social studies classes. Their goals are to learn about software development, explore computer programming, collaborate with peers, extend their computer fluency, build 21st century thinking skills, have fun, and develop projects that future students will be able to explore.

The students, as represented by their “avatars” in the picture are: Tom Albertie, Jacob Epstein, Elise Frederick, Juztina Gerace, Liam McGuire, Eric Meltzer, Gabby Morea, Frances Murray, Brooke Racanelli, Ryan Santana, Nico Terrett, Kayla Wells.

The project was led by Donna Meaney, instructional technology teacher assistant, and Jonathan Redeker, social studies teacher, who were trained in "Active Worlds" by BOCES administrator Andrea Tejedor.