About the Team

Van

Age: 17
Country: USA
City: Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)
Time zone: GMT -5:00
School: Central High School

Most important tasks:
Team leader, content writing, research and assisting in Media Gallery and navigation.

"While searching for a team, I wanted to have a diverse group of students from all walks of life. This was most important for me, because I wanted to gain experience that would be useful in the real world. Yet, I never expected the degree of desire in everyone that pushed us beyond what others have done. This is evident through our daily communication by forum and instant messenger. Therefore, although we are from four different continents, we managed to work together. Through the obstacles that we have encountered, we have learned from an experience that cannot be found in school. Lastly, I hope we see each other face to face someday."

Age: 17
Country: Egypt
City: Cairo
Time zone: GMT +2:00
School: Cairo University
Study: Engineering
(Faculty of Engineering)

Most important tasks:
Arabic version (unfinished), site tool icons and interview player graphic.

"I was really glad to receive an invitation from Van to join this international team. I have found much more within this team than what I had expected. This is nearly my first real international project and I have really learnt how to co-operate and overcome our time zone differences through the forum (which was provided by our great coach Mayank Gandhi). Also I really appreciate Van introducing Mrs. Kohn to us; her experience was really useful. Finally, I hope this international team will last forever, doing more projects and adding more success."

Age: 19
Country: Netherlands
City: Veghel
Time zone: GMT +1:00
School: Hogeschool van Utrecht
Study: Communication Systems
(Academy of Digital Communication)

Most important tasks:
Dutch version, interactive quiz, media gallery, video editing and editing content.

"My tasks were to create the Dutch version and interactive elements, like the quizzes. Furthermore I wrote a part of the content for the chapter 'Impact'. I have created the header of the website and edited the videos. I appreciate the team's urge to work on this project. The team has done everything in order to reach the goals. It was great to work with these people. Communication went like we all knew each other for a much longer time."

Jorrit

Age: 19
Country: Netherlands
City: Veghel
Time zone: GMT +1:00
School: Hogeschool van Utrecht
Study: Communication Systems
(Academy of Digital Communication)

Most important tasks:
Site layout, XHTML code/stylesheets and adding all content.

"My role in the team was to create both the technical and layout aspects of the website. I've used XHTML and CSS and created a more user-friendly print stylesheet so people can easily print the content for offline reading. During the development we created two layouts as we were not totally pleased with the first one. Furthermore, I've inserted all content on the website. We haven chosen to create short paragraphs of text to keep the pages clear and to make it comfortable to read.

It was a tremendous job to create this website. Only client side technology was permitted, but I am very pleased that our team didn't gave up and kept solving problems to advance. Therefore I really like to work with this team and in my opinion the website shows that we cooperated well and that everybody has contributed to the project by using their speciality."

Age: 15
Country: Malaysia
City: Kuala Lumpur
Time zone: GMT +8:00
School: The Chinese High School

Most important tasks:
Chinese version and rotating 3D models.

"I always enjoy learning science, especially Chemistry and Biology. This project enabled me to work with people from different countries and I think such opportunities are very rare. When translating the text from English to Chinese, I was exposed to an array of specialised and technical terms. The translation was tough and it took quite some time to finish. In order to finish my tasks on time, I had to manage my time well as all of us are busy students. Besides that, I have also developed a passion towards learning science in different languages. Thanks for everything - I really enjoyed doing this project with you all!"

Age: 15
Country: Singapore
City: Singapore
Time zone: GMT +8:00
School: The Chinese High School

Most important tasks:
Content writing, Flash introduction, crossword puzzles and JavaScripts (search engine for example).

"Taking part in this team has been a valuable experience for me. I came to realize the importance of teamwork, and even learnt about people from different countries. I discovered that if we allow ourselves to reach beyond our own constraints and think of new and more creative possibilities, we could easily learn more than expected. With this in mind, I gradually expanded my horizons on JavaScript and XHTML.

There were many challenges in this project, such as browser compatibility, having a versatile piece of code and effective communications. However, the team members prevailed and we overcame the problems one by one. In conclusion, it was rewarding to see the project taking flight and the touchup taking hold."

Age: 57
Country: USA
City: Philadelphia (Pennsylvania)
Time zone: GMT -5:00
School: Central High School

Tasks: Primary coach (content)

"My student, Van, asked me if I wanted to become the primary coach. I can't say enough how amazing these students are. They've worked together everyday, communicating through a forum. And as a result, have built an incredible website despite living in different timezones. In the end, no matter whether than win or lose, the team has had a great time working together. I've learned so much from these young people."

Age: 22
Country: India
City: New Delhi
Time zone: GMT +5:30
School: Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University

Tasks: Assistant coach (technical subjects and advice)

"My work was primarily related to the technical aspect of the website. I was there as the source of reference for their technical queries. I also tried to provide them with tips and information on how to build a user-friendly and a professional website. Though my work was cut short as the technical team of, Jorrit, Ming Han and Barthe demonstrated an amazing knowledge even though at such a young age. I also highly rate the work done by our translators Kian Huat and Ahmed; our content writers, especially Van, as this wasn't an easy topic to write on but I think they all have done a tremendous job.

This enthusiastic group is very regular to their private discussion & file sharing forum which has more than 2000 posts among these 6 students alone and I believe that's testimonial enough to their enthusiasm and dedication towards this website. The best thing about this group is, they know what they want and they just go for it.

This has been a great team effort and I wish them the best of luck in their future endeavors."