howard county public library
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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
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