"Our charter is to increase educational and occupational opportunities among traditionally underserved minority students through the use of technology," notes Dr. Samuel A. DiGangi, Conexiones Project Codirector. "Conexiones uses computers in the classroom to actively engage educators, students, and the community to educate this often overlooked sector."

Conexiones participants typically visit the ASU campus to take part in an exciting range of computer-based classes, attending whenever the picking season finds them in town. Working on iMac computers outfitted with AirPort Wireless Cards and iMovie, the students are assigned various projects that require them to fulfill extensive production and postproduction tasks.

For example, says Andy Wasklewicz, Conexiones Project Coordinator, the students choose a topic that’s relevant to them — such as child abuse, drug abuse, or what it’s like to live the migrant life — then they produce 30-second public service announcements (PSAs) about their selected topic.

"In completing the PSAs and the Desktop Movies," Wasklewicz asserts, "the students do extensive research on the Web, they write scripts, and they create storyboards. Then they do all of their own shooting using our digital camcorders, and use iMovie to edit the PSAs together."

Adds Dr. Angel Jannasch-Pennell, Project Codirector: "Making the PSAs helps the students learn not just technical skills, but important research skills... how to discern fact from fiction, who provides what services, and so on. So hopefully they’re walking away with information they can use later in life."

This exhibit provides an over view of the project, a sample lesson on PSAs, examples of student work , teacher materials and student resources.

Video segment used with permission from Channel 15 News, Phoenix, AZ.