Part of our thinking is remembering that technology is just a tool. Our work done during this grant uses technology as well as working with communities and individuals. Because of this, we want to showcase the tools we used at our various sites. This includes curriculum developed at our sites, resources we used to plan and create programming, buying lists for our various kits which are shared across the five sites, and more.
Curriculum
Ardunios are mini computers capable of performing many different functions. They can be used to teach basic code writing as well as electrical wiring. Kim, a Community Ambassador at The Urbana Free Library, created some arduino curriculum for teens to learn the basics of coding these machines. In December 2014, the Teen Open Lab had a snowman ardunio workshop. To learn more, check out the summary of the workshop in our “Stories” section.
Our Fundamentals are based on the ideas of demystifying technology. We want to move away from the magical thinking of computers being a box of secrets, to a tool we can use to help us do the things we want to do. Before this grant, demystifying workshops have been held in the Champaign-Urbana community built on classes developed for the Graduate School of Library and Information Science program. The curriculum, in various forms, was developed and put on the PrairieNet website. What works well for these demystifying workshops is that the format can be structured and changed to fit the group you are working with and the length of time you have. At PrairieNet, three frameworks exist: the original workshop, a weeklong workshop, and workshop for families. For each workshop, there is design rationale, outlines, handouts, and reflections from previous workshops. Based on the experiences in these workshops, a Demystifying Technology Manual was created with overarching ideas and general information.
The teens at the Champaign Public Library (CPL) have used RPG Maker to design their own video games. Our Community Ambassador at CPL, Sarah, has created curriculum based on questions and areas of expertise as opposed to one step-by-step instruction guide. In addition, Sarah recommends reviewing the tutorials provided on the RPG Maker site. These written tutorials include images and were easily accessible by the teens at CPL.
