It's clear that technology is firmly entrenched in education. More and more out-of-school-time (OST) programs across the country are including some aspect of technology in what they do. Moving forward, how can we support youth workers as they seek to develop and implement technology as a tool to engage youth as scholars and leaders building 21st century skills, while providing engaging academic opportunities? As the 2011 K-12 edition of the NMC Horizon Report points out, "simply capitalizing on new technology ... is not enough; the new models must use these tools and services to engage students on a deeper level."
In many ways, emerging educational models demand more from all of us in the OST field -- both leaders and youth workers. These models reshape traditional views of teaching and learning. Increasingly, the primary role of the educator has shifted from director to guide and co-learner. New technologies encourage reciprocity in teaching: youth workers teach young people, young people teach youth workers. I believe that this is one of the reasons these models are a good fit for youth workers; they can share leadership with the young people they serve, empowering them to take responsibility for their own personal and academic growth.
The MetLife Foundation Afterschool Innovator Awards acknowledges cutting edge programs in youth work. One recent 2011 award winner, Kids Rethink New Orleans Schools, utilizes media and technology as vehicles for reforming New Orleans schools post-Katrina. Youth members of the Rethink create YouTube videos, circulate digital petitions, and host press conferences to send powerful messages to policymakers, school leaders, and others about needed improvements in New Orleans schools. Learning experiences such as these reflect the growing importance of innovation and creativity as professional skills.
Of course, many resources exist for those in the OST field wishing to support youth workers in their efforts to engage youth through technology. Each year the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) lists the top 25 websites for teaching and learning, all of them free and user friendly. Another resource I turn to is The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). ISTE's member magazine, Learning & Leading with Technology, features practical ideas for using today's digital tools to improve learning and teaching and for appropriately integrating technology into classrooms, curricula, and administration.
What do you think? How can we support the use of new technologies among youth workers? Should professional development for youth workers include competency-building in these emerging educational models? What other great resources should we be sharing with our youth work colleagues? Let's hear your ideas.
I think we need to find ways to present technology to youth workers in ways they're already comfortable with like smartphone appplications. It would be great if someone created (or to hear about ones already created) "mini-trainings or coaching opportunities" via smartphone applications that gave youth workers real time advice, ideas, and issues to ponder.
Thank you for your comment, that's a great point. I'm not aware of a smartphone application for coaching or mentoring, but I love the sentiment. I'd be curious to know if anyone out there has seen a smartphone application that can be used for on-site professional development.
I love the role shift that you explained in this blog post. It does seem like a great fit for youth to be able to share leadership with youth workers when they are using the latest technologies - which they're so familiar and comfortable with. Young people can quickly master new technology but they still need an adult's guidance to open their eyes to how that technology can be used for creating new opportunities to experience and/or have an impact on the world around them. Technology can be so powertul for youth because it encourages such creativity and production, allowing new and exciting avenues for learning.
I also liked the described role shift to youth workers as guiders and learners as an example of where youth engagement can happen and youth leadership skills can shine. One of my favorite tech saavy stories comes from a friend of mine who is a grandfather and retiree. We attended a forum on interacting between 4 generations. He proudly told the group that his grand daughter pronounced that if grand dad wanted to stay connected in her life he better learn to text...she taught him and they stay in texting communication often. Youth workers need compelling reasons to engage with technology, then make a commitment to learning and using the tools. I have learned a dozen technology tools, but finding the active uses that reinforce how and when they best apply is a big challenge for me. Youth can help us discover which tech tools are relevant to youth development.