AoIT Grade 10

Overview: Students connected with advocacy groups in City Heights and analyzed the tools used to communicate with the community. To support advocacy groups, students used tech tools to create an infographic, vlog, and City Heights Resource Hub - a user-friendly digital hub of information for the community.

Project Initiation: Field Trip and Exploration of City Heights Dojo Cafe and Community Event Space. Students organized a food distribution event at the Dojo Event Space, heard from Dojo founder T. Shorter about his “why” for advocacy. Students created a pre-vlog and post-vlog about what advocacy means to them. After the event, they created a post-vlog about advocacy and the Dojo’s role in the community. Students wrapped up by creating a City Heights food access map and discussing food equity.

Project Exploration and Development: All of the 6A’s were incorporated: The students learned about local advocacy groups in their English classes which provided a framework of authenticity and passion for what they wanted to focus on in their community. Partners Mid City CAN, Hoover Community Outreach, and the Dojo worked with students in a variety of capacities. Students learned and practiced professional communication skills as they coordinated and conducted interviews with community leaders. They had to create meaningful, thoughtful questions for their clients and offer their services to help create a stronger online presence for their chosen advocacy group. The end product was a hub of resources that can be easily accessible for students, parents, staff and the City Heights community.

Project Revision and Exhibition: Reflection: Students practiced, reflected, and worked on improving their skills in preparation for interviewing community members. Students presented to community advocates and AOIT partners for constructive feedback and revised their projects. Teams created a Resource Hub for a City Heights advocacy partner to grow their digital presence and promote their resources - including infographics(print and digital) and an online platform. Students presented their resources to their partners.

Teachers and Subjects: ELA - Norma Montano, ELA - Natalia Tyler, Modern World History - Dan Barone, AP CS Principles - Jack Wetzel