
These factors were among those which made Camp T-Equity '95 a success:
- The camp was specifically for girls.
Comments from both the program participants
as well as comments from outside parties
recorded in the Camp T-Equity Electronic Guest Book speak to the importance
of this decision.
- Student-to-computer ratio was never more than 2:1 (and was frequently 1:1).
- Student-to-teacher ratio of 8:1 was also very helpful, particularly
when things went wrong!
- Successfully recruited several minority participants, one of whom
received scholarship support.
- Need-based scholarship support ensured that finances were not an
obstacle to participation. This support was generously provided by
The Parent Institute, an organization
dedicated to helping schools get parents more involved in their
children's education.
- Support from school officials was essential to the success of the camp.
- A full-time camp counselor was essential. Camp T-Equity '95 was fortunate
to have the volunteer services of Myungsu Suh, a technology-savvy student
who provided
technical expertise and individualized instruction (especially important in
an activity-oriented environment like Camp T-Equity, where students are
rarely at the same point simultaneously).
- Guest speakers (women who routinely use technology in their
professions) served as role models and mentors. Student reaction to the guest
speakers was extremely positive.
- Parents were extremely supportive of Camp T-Equity. An open house was
held on the last day of camp.
- Phil Wherry, a computer professional outside the school system, helped
by setting up and
remotely monitoring the Unix server system (including the World Wide Web
server). He also helped to document the camp by writing some automated Web
page-generation tools which, when used in conjunction with a digital
camera he loaned us, allowed us to easily document progress in an online
daily activity log.
- Student access to electronic mail via the Unix server proved to be an
unexpected boon to the program. In addition to building comfort with the
technology, it provided a natural outlet for students to write about
science and technology. Many used electronic mail to keep their parents
informed about the camp.
- The Web server provided a publishing outlet for the students, who
produced their own home pages. The
existence of this server was advertised on a number of popular Web directories;
as a result, thousands of visitors have learned about the camp and its
participants. An online guest book makes
it easy for students to see that there is worldwide interest in the program.
In addition, program participants have made valuable contacts with
college recruiters, technology professionals, scientists, parents, students,
and other outsiders with an interest in the program's success.
[Next - Lessons Learned] [Table of Contents] [Camp T-Equity Home Page]
Walter Sanford, wsanford@wsanford.com