Learning Labs Grantee Convening

Cohort 1 UpdatesFebruary 12 - 13, 2013Washington, D.C.

Our Vision

HiTech is Howard County Library System’s (HCLS) new digital media lab for teens centering on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Envisioned as a launching point for the STEM career pipeline, HiTech is focused on producing the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers needed to fill highly skilled jobs in the community and region

Founded on innovative teaching methods which demonstrate that teens learn most effectively through hands-on projects and peer-to-peer communications, HiTech enables teens to explore new digital media technologies and core computer science principles in an enjoyable, self-paced fashion.

Project InformationProject Partners:

Mindgrub (innovative technology firm) & ILI Learning (evaluation)

Project Supporters: University of Maryland – Clark School of Engineering

Community Partners: – Howard County Public School– Voices for Change– Columbia Association – Sister Cities Program– Friends of Howard County Library Physical space location (next slide)

Dedicated Teen Space

Vending Café For all Customers

Study RoomsFor All Customers

Computer Booths

Audio/MMedia Booth (loc1)

Genesis Platform

Hanging OutVideo & Computer Games

Ind. Game Design

Conference &Geeking Out Pre-Registered Technology Classes

STEM Lab

Messing Around/Geeking OutGame logic & design

TBD/Possible Conference Area

Messing Around/ Geeking OutMusic & Video Production

You Are Here

Seasonal Outdoor

Classroom

HiTech Site Components-2012

HiTech is partially funded by a grant from IMLS and the John D. and

Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

Making Progress

Youth engagement during planning• 1,500 visits in less than 60 days• 560+ unique teens• Response from teens • Adults (end of specials)

Evaluation plans • Youth Forums (focus group/surveys)• Measures (everything) –causal database• Apply what we learn

Other• Products - Future releases (projected 8-10 products)• Staffing – Instructors/mentors …..the team!• Contagious Culture – Passion• Quality of Content! • WE MAKE MISTAKES!

3 Major Accomplishments

Choose Civility

www.hclibrary.org/hitech(android,iPad, iPhone)

DOWNLOAD TODAY!

Released 1/27/2013Over 3,700 downloads

USUKAustralia,CanadaIreland,Egypt,TurkeyItaly

IndonesiaRussiaNew ZealandFranceChinaRussiaMexicoSaudi Arabia

Lessons Learned– What has been the most exciting aspect?

• Team composition• Products• Youth participation and interest• Parental and Community Support (GT Teachers)

– What has been the most challenging aspect?• Getting “hanging out” group to migrate to “geeking out”• Creating new partnerships with larger institutions (nationally focused)• Finding the women to teach in the space• Rate of Change/individual expectations/culture “process”• Getting and keeping girls involved.

– (Specials) 45 % female, 55 %male– (Daily) 20% female; 80% male

– What do you wish you knew at the beginning?• How quick change would occur in the first 9 -12 months

– What is your advice for Cohort 2?• Anticipate an increase in staffing • Listen to the youth and respond• Break the mold!

The Next 6 Months

a) Sustainability - acquire additional funding b) Creative scheduling – curriculum in other

branchesc) Getting more youth involved and creating

productsd) Badging – Trying to figure it oute) Expo – June 8th Ellicott City f) Finding the right partnerships.g) Figuring out penguins evolve successfully!

American Libraries Association

HiTech Focus 2013 - 2019