12607 CE: Programming + Journalism = Youth Radio’s Innovation Lab
Organizer: Clifford Lee
Presenters: Asha Richardson, Teresa Chin, Donta Jackson
Within the DML community of practice, there have been two pathways for young learners. One involves the creation of digital stories, content worlds, and journalism. Another pathway involves the world of programming, app development, and engineering. This workshop takes a look at what can happen when we merge these two pathways, based on a Youth Radio model we use within our Innovation Lab. We will scaffold a learning experience that will take place in real time with reflection and tools participants can take back into their communities for use with their various learners. Examples of our published, transmedia creations will be used as models for participants. We will conclude by sharing preliminary findings from our research and the potential implications for this work in the field of multiliteracies, journalism, app development, and storytelling.
In the workshop phase, participants will work in groups made up of technology and story/content-oriented audience members to develop the foundations of a transmedia project. Youth radio staff and students will lead participants through the process from ideation to production. They will be provided with models, tools, and strategies in developing a powerful story; key ingredients of developing an app; creating an aesthetically appealing and functional wireframe; and the qualities of a great pitch. All of these resources currently exist as curriculum lessons on the Youth Radio website. Youth Radio presenters will assist groups while they brainstorm, tinker, and explore their ideas with one another. Finally, audience members will “pitch” their story and app for feedback. At the conclusion of the workshop, participants will be given an opportunity to debrief and reflect on their learning process and the potential extensions into other communities of learning.