YouthLearn: Envisioning Technology Curriculum

by Brandi Day

Overview

YouthLearn offered a one-day training institute, presented by Tony Striet, that took place at September 17, 2004 at CompuMentor. During the session, trainees were guided through an exploration of how best to strengthen youth afterschool programs through the integration of technology, media making, and project-based learning.For those who were unable to attend, YouthLearn created a follow-up report by summarizing what what was learned through presentations, discussions and activities. The powerpoint and handouts from the workshop are available at the links below.

Goals and objectives:

This toolkit is designed for program directors and educators working directly with youth. The activities included in this toolkit were explored with participants at the workshop using a continuum of student-centered activities with their own programs serving as models. The goal of this toolkit, is to use assessment tools to map present position of your organization, according to the learning continuum, and then design a new curriculum that can be implemented for your youth program.

The YouthLearn Summer Institute Final Report (PDF) retraces the key aspects of the training and the lessons learned. As part of the training, participants were provided case studies, journal activities, and other materials to support the development of engaging activities for young people. Trainees were also had an opportunity to share an activity plan or other curriculum element for review by their peers. The session ended with a closing activity focusing on new ideas for pedalogy.