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"This was new territory," Platt said, "something where technical writers, marketing people, programmers, graphic designers could take classes, work together and understand real-world client problems."

The program has 25 Pentium 4 personal computers, each with a 2-gigabyte capacity and a 19-inch flat-screen monitor. It also has Mac computers and video-editing software. Clients have included Cintas and P&G.

Practical experience is at the core of the approach, said Chris Starkey, program director.

Students apply what they've learned, and, as at a new media consulting company, the programmer comes together with the graphic designer, marketer and content provider to follow the course charted by the client.

And that course can change once a client gets an idea of how the work is proceeding.

Senior Jeff Borod is a 1998 graduate of Sycamore High School. The 24-year-old's take on the program:

"You get to work every day beside somebody who is a different major," Borod said. "And you're dealing with real-life clients."

IMS' capstone Web project was to create a Web site for the Taft Museum of Art. But inevitably, Taft leaders realized that their initial needs would have to be expanded.

"Once a client starts to see what the product is going to be, it's easier to fine-tune," said Tamera Muente, communications specialist for the museum.

The students have designed a site that lets the museum sell products and register visitors for events.

"And our event registration has grown," she said.