Youth Community Informatics: How Young People Use New Media for Community Action and Personal Growth

Can young people learn how to use information and communication technologies (ICTs) for community building, thus becoming active sustainers of their own communities? In our Youth Community Informatics project , university students and faculty work with diverse underserved communities to help young people learn about new technologies and develop academic potential through self expression and community building. Participants engage in inquiry units such as video documentaries, community journalism, oral history, multimedia and podcasting, GIS/GPS, protest songs, asset mapping, and setting up community technology center. The activities occur in schools, but also in after-school programs, boys and girls clubs, libraries, museums, and community centers. This presentation covers the background in pragmatism, the inquiry-based activities, the experiences to date, international partnerships, and what we've learned.Grant number RE-03-07-0007-07 from the (U.S.) Institute of Museum and Library Servicesnot peer reviewe