ILA 2010 Providing Advanced Technology for At-Risk Young Adults

Darren Thompson, Jim Nelson, Blue Island

At least 20 other nations exceed us in Math & Science.  To fight that, created something called The Tech Annex that has not only the tech, but artwork made by teens, to be inviting.  

Need people with skills to share.  They may already be on staff.

Difficult to engage kids who may have been told there are no possibilities for them.  Takes a lot of convincing.

Not a new idea: Transformation Lab, Denmark.  USC 2007 Library of the Future also shows a video of how different disciplines can help build the libraries of the future.

Video Production:

5 videocameras w/tripods, lights & reflector, green screen, wireless, non-wireless mics, reference monitors, Adobe Production Premium, Adobe Premier Elements, DVD, VHS players w/capture cards.  

Audio Production:
Mics, headphones, PA, mixers, keyboard, guitars, pedals, amps, electronic drum set, FL (Fruity Loops) Studio, Audacity.

Put it all on Youtube.  Lots of oral history done this way.

Google sketch.  Lego Mindstorms NXT for robotics-focused activities.  Helps with critical thinking, promotes an interest in Math & Science.

Digital photography, another way to engage--lenses, style of shot, exposures.  Animate them in stop motion.

Graphic & Fine Arts -- Wacom Bamboo Tablet, CS4, fine arts materials (markers, paper, pencils, paints, charcoals, etc.)

Cons--noisy, chaotic, teens get distracted, projects are lengthy, hard to manage equipment, hard to find staff who can effectively use the equipment.

Pros--Good for kids who can't take these classes, promotes create thinking, math & science, teens grow, nurture others, encourages collaboration, increased potential for new programs, staff & community can use equipment, promoting partnerships--good way to get support from local businesses.

Gaming is not part of it, unless there is a tournament.  Seems like game production would be another avenue, though.  IT only appears to complain about the noise.