Hernando County is not known to be a technological hot bed, but if you look carefully you will find that there is a lot going on locally. There are many local Information Technology companies who assist local businesses with their technology needs. There is a Computer Club in Spring Hill http://www.hernandocomputerclub.org/. The local libraries put on many interesting technology events including Makerspaces.
So, it is not really a surprise that Springstead High School is home to a Web Design Academy. The students in this program learn Adobe Flash, Dreamweaver and Photoshop
and earn industry certifications. The students must complete all programs to get credit. This Web Design program is part of the Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered by the Hernando County School System which is overseen by Dr. Marcia Austin.
There are over 600 students in the program. The students learn graphic design and build web sites. These skills may help them to start a career or find a part time job while they attend college.
Shanna Cancel a CTE Specialist is working to give the students real world experience developing web sites. She recently approached the Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce to facilitate students building a web site for a business. The chamber was able to find a couple of businesses that did not have web sites, but would like one. The students chose to design a site for Gloria Kruft owner of MyCouponDeal.
On Friday December 4th, the students met with MyCouponDeal to develop a better understanding of what was desired in the site. There were three teams of two students; one more technical and the other more business oriented. The students presented themselves very professionally and were prepared for the meeting. Each team will create a design for the site and MyCouponDeal will pick their favorite design or combine elements of several designs. The students will also be coming up with recommendations of domain names for MyCouponDeal.
The students will present their designs as pictures/photoshop templates on December 18th. They will be presenting what they have developed at the Thursday, January 28th, Career Expo at Pasco Hernando State College. They are planning to launch the site in March 2016.
The students will be able to use this site as part of their portfolio and will have real world experience developing web sites. Remember, if you need a web site there are hundreds of students and graduates that have the skills to create one for you.