Students working at LodeStar Astronomy Center T-Pod.
Albuquerque, New Mexico

The Digital Pueblo Project is creating the "Technology Pods" or T-Pods to provide the resources, training, and mentors for students. The pods will be equipped with computing resources and connections to large servers and computers at the UNM and other centers, graphics software and hardware, resource and knowledge bases for training, as well as Access Grid technology for distance training and project collaboration.

The T-Pods will serve as meeting places for students, mentors, and trainers to collaborate and work over the Access Grid. Each of the pods will recruit students from "8 to 80" interested in learning and pursuing careers and give them an opportunity to work on projects directly related to the industry.

T-Pod projects and learning sessions will be directed and guided by mentors who come from regional industry, from the universities and colleges, and other partners. Mentors will work alongside artists and scientists, identify areas of expertise, and develop learning paths with students and facilitate relationships with industry in order to bring projects to the Digital Pueblo.

Training within the T-Pods will be project driven, that is, real world projects that provide students with relevant training and experience.

Computer classroom at the National Hispanic Cutural Center. Access GRID terminal far right.

A project team will complete each project. Each team will consist of six to eight members including some new students, students with some experience, senior students, and mentors and instructors. The mentors will oversee the overall progress and direction of the project.

To date the Digital Pueblo Project has set up two T-Pods, both in Albuquerque, New Mexico. One is located at the National Hipanic Cultural Center. The other is located at the LodeStar Astronomy Center, inside the New Mexico Museum of Natural History. Plans for other T-Pods around the state are being developed. If you would like further information about possible future T-Pod locations, please contact the Digital Pueblo Project.

Students at National Hispanic Cutural Center T-Pod discuss the Gronk
animation project with students from the LodeStar Astronomy Center
class over the Access Grid. - Photo by David Sanchez