Envisioning a Continuum for Powerful Learning

YouthLearn was excited to offer a series of one-day training institutes that took place in nine cities across the US during the summer of 2004. In each session, we guided trainees through an exploration of how best to strengthen youth afterschool programs through the integration of technology, media making, and project-based learning. The sessions were offered in partnership with America Connects Consortium (ACC) and Community Technology Centers' Network (CTCNet).

Designed for program directors and educators working directly with youth, the institutes explored a continuum of student-centered activities with participants, using their own programs as models. Guided discussions, group activities, and training materials helped educators identify how best to enhance their current programming, moving toward more active and engaged learning.

As part of the training, we provided participants with case studies, journal activities, and other materials to support the development of engaging activities for young people. Trainees were also offered the chance to share an activity plan or other curriculum element for review by their peers.

YouthLearn also offered a 90-minute condensed version of the training at the Department of Education's 21st Century Learning Center Programs Summer Institute in Washington, DC on August 5th.

From all the various trainings, YouthLearn created a follow-up report by summarizing what we learned through our presentations, discussions and activities. The YouthLearn Summer Institute Final Report retraces the key aspects of the training and the lessons learned.


     Contents of the Final Report 

     Introduction
     Goals of the YouthLearn Summer Institute Sessions
       YouthLearn’s Basic Principles
       Goals of the Participants
     Activity 1: The Learning Continuum - A framework for learning
       [Step 1] Common ways youth currently use technology in our programs
       [Step 2] Best ways youth currently use technology in our programs
       [Step 3] Definition of “Active Activity”
     Activity 2: Case Study
       1) Program Case Study (Lorraine & Mark)
       2) Suggestions from the participants
     Closing Activity
       NEW IDEAS for active pedagogy
     Contact Us
       About YouthLearn (http://www.youthlearn.org)

We also want to share all the supplementary materials used throughout our training sessions for future reference:

• Summer Institute Agenda
• Self-assessment Form
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Program Case Study (Lorraine & Mark)
• Program "Reality Check" Worksheet
• Curriculum Development Worksheet

Use Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these files.

The YouthLearn Guide provides further details of lessons, worksheets, and sample activities on how to set up a new learning program or enhance an existing one. Click here for more information.