Award
2009 19 and Under: 3rd place
Team
Ziheng AlexDunman High School, Singapore
Ci Hui AgnesDunman High School, Singapore
MunazahGeneration's School, Sindh, Pakistan
RidaGeneration's School, Sindh, Pakistan
MuhammadGeneration's School, Sindh, Pakistan
Age Range
19 & under
Coaches
Soong Chee GiDunman High School, Singapore
Aniqa MasroorGeneration's School, Sindh, Pakistan
Audience
Ages 12 and up
Language
English, Italian
Site Features
Online Activity / Game
Reading Guide / Book Guide
Quiz
Teacher Resources (Lesson Plans, Worksheets)
Photo Gallery
Video / Sound
Team Collaboration
Although collaboration from different parts of the world- Singapore, Pakistan and China- was not an easy task, the team managed it commendably. Most of the communication was online through Email, MSN messenger and the inevitable “Google Site”, which were useful for group forums. Task allocation and announcement on site resulted in more efficiency. This gave them the chance to specialize in our domains
Alex’s forte was designing the graphics for the website and flash introduction which Agnes put into html code. Abdullah, Rida and Munazzah study in the same school albeit in different classes and had the responsibility of writing the main content and collecting information. Agnes being the leader and the one most experienced in the technical aspects of web designing was saddled with a more challenging task. She allocated jobs, consolidated and enhanced the content pages and Alex created site interaction through flash and java scripts.
Their diverse nationalities facilitated them in conducting surveys in their respective geographical areas to ensure that their website was congruent and globally viable. Pakistani partners consulted a Psychiatrist in Karachi and Agnes approached Professor Mark Griffith in England. Therefore, we can truly claim that ‘Portable Partners’ is the brain child of a globally collaborative effort.
Team Diversity
"Portable Partners" is an amalgam of diverse socio-economic backgrounds, cultures, religions and nationalities. The global viewpoint it provides is rich in international input and is priceless in setting the direction for our website.
Heated online discussions were held concerning mobile devices for better understanding of the issue. Experts and adults having rich knowledge of the context were consulted. Munazza, Rida and Abdullah interviewed a psychiatrist to get better insight, concerning the use of mobile devices in youth. Prof. Mark Griffith of England was of immense help to Agnes, who researched on hand-held gaming consoles. Alex, born in China gave us a different perspective on designing quizzes, highlighting the key learning points. Surveys were carried out in Singapore, Pakistan and India, through online portals and others. It also helped that Agnes's father is based in India and India and China are rapidly growing economies, so their input was imperative. United States being the super power and leading economic power is readily available online.
Through various cultural backgrounds and standpoints, 'Portable Partner' provides rational and excellent platform to identify the pros and cons of portable devices. This platform can help in addressing the issues of portable devices globally.
