2. 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.
3. Project Information
Project 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)
4. Dedicated Teen Space Genesis Platform
You Are Here Audio/MMedia Messing Around/Geeking Out
Booth (loc1) Game logic & design
Seasonal
Outdoor
Messing Classroom
Around/
Geeking Out Hanging Out
Music &
Video Video &
Production Computer
Conference & Games
Geeking Out
Pre-Registered Ind. Game
Technology Design
Classes
Study Rooms
For All Customers
TBD/
Possible
Conference Area
Vending Café
For all Customers
STEM Lab
Computer Booths
9. www.hclibrary.org/hitech
(android,iPad, iPhone)
DOWNLOAD TODAY!
Released 1/27/2013
Over 3,700 downloads
US Indonesia
UK Russia
Australia, New Zealand
Canada France
Ireland, China
Egypt, Russia
Turkey Mexico
Italy Saudi Arabia
10.
11.
12. 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!
13. The Next 6 Months
a) Sustainability - acquire additional funding
b) Creative scheduling – curriculum in other
branches
c) Getting more youth involved and creating
products
d) Badging – Trying to figure it out
e) Expo – June 8th Ellicott City
f) Finding the right partnerships.
g) Figuring out penguins evolve successfully!
Supported in part by a grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and Institute of Museum and Library Services. Through it’s furnishings , technology, and onsite personnel Hi Tech at Savage is uniquely positioned to enable teens to do any one or all three of the learning phases.
HiTech has 5 major focus areas that are key components to its success. They are Digital Media, Games, Digital Music & Multimedia, Mobile Books, and International Exchange.
In January, Howard County Library System introduced HiTech. HiTech is a unique Media Rich Learning Lab for middle and high school students at the Savage Branch.
HiTech is the new place to hang out. There will be international mixers in June (interest based) Throughout the summer on Thursdays, HiTech will be open from 2 to 7
In January, Howard County Library System introduced HiTech. HiTech is a unique Media Rich Learning Lab for middle and high school students at the Savage Branch.
