YEAR ONE , Explorations: Information Technology in Urban Spaces

This year will be dedicated to exploring products of urban design that involve IT systems and networks, e.g. the public transit system, parks and recreation, and public service offerings that serve to enhance and amplify our interaction with the designed environment. The technologies learned in this year will include Cricket Robotics, Blogging, Web Design, Web Development, and wireless technologies.

Semester 1: Urban Exploration

Building a better subway information system: Students make observations regarding the use of technology in their everyday subway experience, and then work in groups to conceptualize and diagram designs for improvements. This introduces them to exploration and invention techniques. Students will use the local subway stations in the South Bronx as their research grounds. They will define problems and design alternative solutions involving information display and retrieval, or another topic of their choosing. Students will gain experience in Internet research techniques and be expected to incorporate Cricket Robotics and PowerPoint technologies to present their final solution and justification. See projects from Year 1, Semester 1

Semester 2: Wireless Networks and the Virtual Community

The Cellular Phone, Design and Function: Participants will receive an introduction to wireless communication using Handy Cricket’s IR capabilities and investigation of design through creating new interfaces for cell phones. Students will learn how to program their own cell phone rings and will learn to critique user interface design of cell phones. Students will also build their own websites and learn how to design and develop these websites using Microsoft's FrontPage Express. See projects from Year 1, Semester 2

SoBRO TEC will offer a 7-week summer engagement each year. To participate in a summer experience, students will be required to participate in at least one prior workshop. The summer component will be a combination of internship opportunities with various organizations around New York City and a series of field trips for the students to attend.