Webmaker Clubs

TLDR: Structure for Webmaker Clubs in schools and colleges in order to maximize participation of students and developers in Webmaking.

 

The primary idea of setting up Webmaker clubs is creating solutions for society. Every country, state or city is facing varied problems that affects public on a large scale. There is a need for proper guidance to create awareness on peculiar issues of society (Eg: Lack of modern education system, poverty, women safety, electricity and water conservation, health and hygiene issues, rural unemployment etc.). It has been observed over ages that successful solutions comes from society itself. But it has also been figured out that a solution takes a very long time to come in action and the reason behind it is, lack of communication.

 

Considering web as a very strong medium for global interaction, a strategy (as discussed below) has been developed to use it wisely. 

We have Mozilla clubs and city based communities all around the globe. The first step will
be to list down area specific topics on which makes can be developed. These makes will help in spreading and sharing knowledge on topics that are in interest of that particular area.

Most of the schools and colleges have dedicated IT Club that is involved in web development. The Mozilla clubs can approach these schools and colleges and give them webmaker training. After training them, topics on different domains will be given on which they can make thimble, popcorn or an app. As students can think more creatively, they can come up with really good solutions. Eventually, the content of all the makes will be useful for general public. This strategy of webmaking will motivate students to get involved with Mozilla at a very tender age.

Task of forming Web-maker clubs will begin during MakerParty season, i.e when institutes reopen.

Web Maker Club Tasks and activities:

1. Web maker event will be split into two parts 

• Web-maker tool training – This will require teaching kits, that will guide on how to use thimble, popcorn and app-maker step by step.
• Hands on session – After giving a basic idea about what web-maker tools are, a groups having 9 students each will be formed. Topics from several domains will be given. A group can select any topic and start working on it. In a group of 9, 3 will be working on thimble, 3 on popcorn and 3 on app-maker.

2. The domains will be of following categories :

• Social cause - Makes of this category will be based on how to solve social problems. These makes can be shown to target audience facing respective problems. It will help them in raising their voice on web.
• DIY ideas - Students usually have funny and creative DIY ideas.Presenting DIY ideas using thimble can be a good learning and sharing opportunity for student. During HIVE events, using these DIY makes, creative articles can be made which can be donated in rural areas during festive season. (In India after Maker party, festive season begins).
• Edutainment - Edutainment means teaching with digitally creative resources rather than traditional book teaching method. On discussing with faculties of institute some topics related to curriculum will be listed out.Students will be then asked to work on those topics.
• -- A lot many domains will be added.

3. Make your portfolio is one activity that will be compulsory for all participating students. In this activity, student has to choose any one tool and make his profile. 

4. A competitive environment will be created among institutes in a city as well as on national level. This will bring out the best makes from students.
5. Once we’re done with MakerParty season, in the most active school we will conduct a day long HIVE. Here all the makes will be showcased. Talks will be conducted on FOSS,  how to strengthen WebMaker clubs in institutes, individual contribution and many more. Also the students can make creative stuff using above mentioned DIY makes in HIVE.

Requirements to carry out this initiative:

1. Dedicated homepage to track and maintain performance of Web maker club.

2. Web maker teaching kit, which will contain step by step guide on how to use webmaker tools.

3. Attractive and creative thimble, popcorn and appmaker makes on various domains for remixing. (Currently there are not too many)

4. Recognition material for students and clubs:

• Digital certificates 
• Open badges 
• Web-maker goodie

5. And a strong budget to make this initiative a reality

As of now this is the structure that has been prepared. Looking forward for your valuable suggestions.

Current contributors in this project : 

• Sayak Sarkar
• Aman Sehgal
• Prathamesh Chavan
• Suchita Agarwal

 

Mozilla Club Link  : firefoxclubstes.wordpress.com

 

Related link : makingindialiterate.blogspot.in