Networked Youth Bioregion Project Summer Camps

Our Summer Camps are for students entering the 7th to 12th grades who have interests in learning with technology, and understanding the interdependent world they live in. NYBP Summer camp participants are interested in how their local environmental, economic and social systems tie into the world.

Description

During this program, you will build a personal learning network using a wide array of social media tools while researching and exploring the the many systems that make up the Maine Coast and Mountains. You will get to experience a new way to learn and research with technology while also doing field work and service learning with a group of peers among the varied landscapes of Maine. In this program you will work to understand:

• Networked Learning Skills: Web 2.0 tools such as mobile-blogging, Twitter, social bookmarking,web aggregation and more, and how to connect and work with peers in dramatically new ways.
• Systems Thinking: including the interdependence between the society, ecology, and economy of Maine
• How to record field observations and identify patterns using mobile learning and cloud-based technology
• How to generate essential questions
• How to collect data that will answer your question
• How to analyze, present and exhibit your data to others in your community and online
• How your civic participation can benefit local systems through service learning.

Overview

Over four weeks, learners will develop and use networked learning to create a personal learning environment for project field work, research, and development. The learning process draws on learner interests and previous knowledge while connecting to relevant social, ecological, and economic issues.

Orientation

Participants will spend two days learning multiple networked learning systems we will use in the program, meeting other participants, planning and engaged in community and values clarification initiatives.

During the program

You will research the society, economy and ecology of Mid-coast Maine and carry out an independent or group project based on your own interests. At the end of the program, you will present your research and record of your service learning project to Networked Learning Ecology North America staff, other students, and the community partners we have worked with in the program.

Independent and group online research

One of the unique features of NYBP Summer Camps is flexibility. With a portion of the overall program taking place in online environments, our programs blend the best of hands on face to face learning with supported networked online interaction that builds 21st century skills.

• Students meet weekly in collaborative virtual meetings using the synchronous online environment Elluminate.
• Students are expected to spend a minimum of 5 hours a week doing online research using our networked learning framework.
• Students are expected to share their findings with peers throughout the program asynchronously in the networked learning framework provided.

Field work

Four field work days are embedded in the program. Our field work opportunities allow participants to experience the systems they are researching with each other first hand.  These experiences will feature facilitation by our field work specialists and interaction with local fishermen, artisans, business owners, farmers, scientists, and knowledgeable citizens. Field work locations will include:

• beaches,
• mountains,
• organic farms,
• towns around Mid-Cost Maine.

Service learning

Students will work together to develop a substantial service learning project to be completed during the session.

Exhibition of mastery

Exhibitions are performance based assessments made visible, public demonstrations of mastery that depend on participation of people from outside the school community as mentors and evaluators. Each successful participant will take part in a NYBP Exhibition that showcases their work over the program.

Program Prerequisites

This program is designed for students who are entering 7th to 12th grade and have basic computer proficiency, are interested in social media, sustainability studies, and love to be outdoors. All participants must have a laptop computer (including netbooks) or touch tablet (such as the Apple iPad).  Other technology (Mobile phones and Smart phones) can be incorporated as student interest dictates.

Evidence of Academic Proficiency

Successful students will receive written narrative assessment of their performance and a “take away” networked ePortfolio of their work in the program. This information can be used for evidence of:

• completing portions of the Maine Learning Results
• demonstrated proficiency in the ISTE NETS-S standards
• evidence of up to 10 hours of Service Learning

Support

Unless you are an experienced networked learner, the thought of undertaking a big project might seem daunting. Our educators have experience guiding the learning process and field work activities.

To get the most out of the program it will be helpful to acquaint yourself with networked learning programs and the ideas of “field work” and “service learning”. We will send study guides and advice to all participating learners once accepted to the program.

More here: The 2011 Summer Program Presentation