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February 18, 2008
Galeton YET Club (Potter County)
Overview
For youth in the 21st century, technology skills are critical. Computers, the Internet, and multimedia programs are common tools in both education and work. The need for youth to be adept in these areas will only grow in importance if they are to have successful school and work careers as well as, become contributing citizens in their community.To this end, after school programs such as YET can be vital for youth in rural and/or at risk settings to be able to gain exposure to and knowledge of technology skills—as well as experience the enjoyment, engagement, and other benefits derived from using technology and belonging to a peer group that takes a proactive role in helping their community.
Curriculum
Pre and Post surveys allow us to evaluate how YET curriculum is impacting youth and their aptitude for technology.
We have learned that:
· Technology is able to engage youth in a way that few other programs do.
· Youth learn a great deal when they are having fun.
· A specific goal gives the greatest motivation.
· The ability to succeed and be recognized as successful provokes further successes.
· After seven hours of regimented, structured learning, it is too much to expect most youth to settle down to another 2.5 hours of similarly-structured learning. We utilize structured time and activities that empower youth to be creative and attentive.
· Youth who have participated in YET have benefited in many areas besides technology skills, such as:o career developmento peer acceptanceo academic skills and o community involvement
Implementation
Based on information gathered from surveys, discussions with the youth and experience, we have made additions, changes and deletions to the curriculum this past year. We have added Game Design and Computer Animation. We have changed the format of the sessions cutting the time into 15 or 30 minute segments that keep the youth’s attention and engagement at their peak. We have deleted some of the more in-depth, laborious aspects of the curriculum opting instead to give the children at least a working knowledge of several technology skills.
Highlights
We are currently servicing approximately 30 children from grades 7th through 10th. While in the past such diversity has been a significant challenge, with the changes to time, structure and curriculum we have found that the older and/or more advanced children help the younger and/or less adept children. The group as a whole is more willing to take on bigger challenges academically, technologically and in the community. They are working more independently, with more enthusiasm.
Our ‘theme’ for the first quarter was “Yes! You CAN Do That!” We have career information based on the skills they are learning in YET posted on the bulletin boards. Our current theme is “Don’t JUST Dream it – DO IT!!” We are learning Game Design and Animation (favorites of all) and they are learning that careers in these fields are not only real, but obtainable and lucrative and that what they are learning and enjoying today may be a career tomorrow.
Challenges
Some of our greatest challenges have been (and continue to be) related to the amount of commitment to infrastructure maintenance that is required to maintain Internet connectivity, hardware performance and cutting edge software in order to provide a quality program.
