Program Description
What is TAP?
The Technology Assistants Program (TAP) is an experiential learning program that trains undergraduate students in technology skills to assist faculty, staff, departments, and instructional units of George Mason University. TAP is a 3 credit course offered through New Century College and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.
What is experiential learning?
It's learning by doing. George Mason University's commitment to experiential learning means students receive immediate hands-on educational experience that better prepares them for the workplace. Think of it as a technology apprenticeship with academic credit.
What are my options?
Currently projects have a focus in one of four tracks: web design & development, instructional design & development, classroom mentoring, and special project. Requirements for projects in each of the tracks are as follows:
TRACK 1: Web Design & Development
- design & develop a website or course folder (i.e. Blackboard CE6 folder)
- conduct usability testing
- develop a maintenance plan for the client
TRACK 2: Instructional Design & Development
- design & develop instructional material (i.e. Flash movies, PDFs)
- conduct usability testing
- develop a maintenance plan for the client
TRACK 3: Classroom Mentoring
- provide technical assistance to fellow students one-on-one in-class and during office hours
- assist students in designing & developing class projects
- develop a classroom mentoring report for the client
TRACK 4: Special Project
- propose a special project for design & development
- conduct usability testing
- develop a maintenance plan for the client
What do I have to do?
TAP students must complete a minimum of 45 instructional hours (where you'll get technical training suited to your assigned project and interest as well as learn about project management, time management, and customer service) and a minimum of 90 project hours (where you'll work on the actual project with your faculty/staff sponsor).
TAP faculty must meet with their student on a regular basis, provide content for the project in a timely fashion, give feedback to the student about the project's progress, and work on acquiring the skills necessary to maintain the project once it has been developed.
How do I TAP in?
You can download application forms from the Application page right here on this site. Students must submit an application, a skills inventory, and a reference. Faculty members must submit a short project proposal. Faculty and students may request to work together on a TAP project but both parties must complete the application process.
Student prerequisites: 30 credit hours; GPA of 2.5 or higher; ability to use an Internet browser; keyboarding, data entry, and word processing skills.
Applications may be submitted by e-mail, mail, or fax. Please go to the Application page for semester deadlines. Program places are limited and applications are considered on a first come basis.