Plan
Week 1
Day 1
Day 2
Activities
Project Introduction & Objective Setting - Introduce the hackathon project, discuss its purpose, and outline the objectives. Students will brainstorm initial ideas and set personal learning goals. (15 min)
Social Media Strategy Workshop - Led by a marketing firm, students will learn about digital marketing strategies and begin creating a social media plan to promote the hackathon. (30 min)
Digital Marketing Tools Exploration - Students will explore tools like Canva and Hootsuite to understand their functionalities and how they can be used for creating digital marketing campaigns. (20 min)
Group Brainstorming Session - In small groups, students will brainstorm creative ideas for marketing the hackathon and outline initial campaign concepts. (25 min)
Deliverables
1. Initial team outlines detailing roles and responsibilities within the hackathon planning process.
2. Drafted digital marketing plans and promotional materials using Canva and Hootsuite.
3. A summary of brainstorming session insights and potential ideas for the hackathon.
4. Reflective entries in digital journals documenting insights and learning progress from Week 1.
Preparation 1. Arrange a guest speaker from a marketing firm for the Social Media Strategy Workshop.
2. Secure access to digital design tools such as Canva and Hootsuite for student use.
3. Prepare materials introducing the concept of a hackathon and its objectives.
4. Organize students into teams and assign initial roles for hackathon planning.
5. Develop a briefing document with guidelines and expectations for the brainstorming session.
6. Ensure access to computers or tablets for students to use during the digital marketing workshop.
Week 2
Day 3
Day 4
Activities
Website Design Workshop - Students will learn the basics of designing an interactive website, focusing on layout and user experience. They will start creating wireframes for the hackathon hub. (25 min)
Content Planning Session - Students will outline the types of content they wish to include on the website, such as blogs and project updates. They will assign roles for content creation. (20 min)
Digital Marketing Campaign Development - Students will use tools like Canva and Hootsuite to begin crafting visual and social media content for hackathon promotion, aligning with their campaign ideas. (25 min)
Feedback and Iteration - Students will share their initial marketing materials with peers and mentors to gather feedback, then refine their strategies based on the insights received. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. A draft of the interactive website structure with initial content.
2. Digital marketing campaign plans and promotional materials.
3. Draft emails and presentations for sponsor outreach.
4. Completed project timeline and task list with assigned roles.
Preparation 1. Coordinate with a local marketing firm for a workshop session.
2. Set up accounts for website-building platforms like WordPress or Wix.
3. Prepare resources for digital marketing tools like Canva and Hootsuite.
4. Organize a guest lecture or mentoring session with university business school representatives.
5. Gather templates for professional emails and presentations.
Week 3
Day 5
Day 6
Activities
Interactive Website Building - Students will continue developing the hackathon website, integrating content and ensuring functionality of features like blogs and live updates. (25 min)
Testing and Feedback Session - Students will conduct peer reviews of the website, providing feedback on usability and design, and suggesting improvements. (20 min)
Digital Marketing Campaign Finalization - Students will finalize their digital marketing campaigns, making adjustments based on feedback and ensuring alignment with the overall event theme. (25 min)
Sponsorship Outreach Strategy - Students will draft professional emails and presentations to potential sponsors, practicing negotiation skills and refining their pitches. (20 min)
Deliverables
1. Interactive website prototype with sections for blogs, project updates, and live coverage.
2. Digital marketing campaign materials, including designs and scheduled social media posts.
3. A list of key performance indicators and metrics for evaluating hackathon impact.
4. A finalized document outlining roles and responsibilities for hackathon organization.
5. A revised social media strategy with engagement metrics and adjustments.
6. Drafted emails and pitches for sponsor and participant outreach.
Preparation 1. Gather website development tools and resources, including access to web design platforms.
2. Provide access to digital marketing tools like Canva and Hootsuite, including tutorials for their effective use.
3. Prepare materials for the workshop on measuring impact, including examples of key performance indicators.
4. Create templates and guides for role and responsibility assignments.
5. Ensure availability of devices and internet access for social media strategy sessions.
6. Compile a list of potential sponsors and participants for outreach and provide templates for emails and pitches.
Week 4
Day 7
Day 8
Activities
Event Execution Preparation - Students will finalize all logistics for the hackathon day, assigning specific roles and responsibilities to ensure smooth operation. (20 min)
Mock Presentation Rehearsal - Students will practice presenting their digital marketing campaigns and website demonstration to peers, receiving feedback to refine their delivery and content. (25 min)
Hackathon Event Day - Students will execute the hackathon, managing logistics, engaging participants, and ensuring the event runs according to the plan. (45 min)
Deliverables
1. Complete and functional interactive website serving as the hackathon hub with all updates and event coverage.
2. Finalized digital marketing campaigns using Canva and Hootsuite, ready for presentation at the Expo.
3. Student-led presentations at the Tech Innovation Expo, showcasing hackathon projects and marketing strategies.
4. Student portfolios containing project plans, marketing materials, and reflection journals.
5. Participation in the Sponsor Appreciation Gala, presenting experiences and achievements to potential sponsors.
6. Digital reflection journals documenting personal progress, insights, and contributions throughout the project.
7. Completion of a reflective debrief session analyzing hackathon outcomes and identifying areas for improvement.
Preparation 1. Set up the Tech Innovation Expo space, including necessary technology for live demonstrations and presentations.
2. Coordinate with community partners and confirm their attendance for feedback and panel discussions.
3. Ensure all technical equipment is functioning properly for website demonstrations and marketing campaign displays.
4. Prepare digital feedback platforms for peer and mentor reviews during the Expo.
5. Arrange logistics for the Sponsor Appreciation Gala, including student presentations and necessary materials.
6. Organize a reflective debrief session space for post-event analysis and student discussion.