This was a fun session put on by a group of librarians from the Chicago area who work with children and teens. Their aim is to use technology to help patrons develop their creativity, collaboration, communication and critical thinking skills. I attended this program with the hope of learning some cheap, easy, and fun tools to start some more tech-focused youth programming. Success!
They discussed stop motion animation, pencil animation and a 90 second Newbery program. Robotics were discussed through the use of an artbot – a very cool drawing robot using a Solo cup and the motor from an electric toothbrush; WeDo, which is the most open-ended Lego robotic set; and of course Lego Mindstorms. They finished out with an “Art meets Tech” program using light painting which seems so simple even I can do it! So help your kids and teens build their digital literacy and STEAM skills with some of these fun ideas. The presenters were kind enough to make their materials available online via the PLA website.
Erin Silva | Youth Services Librarian | Kalona Public Library