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An eLearning Environment for Youth An Auburn University Development Project Directed by Dr. Tony Cook Extension Specialist, ACES Assistant Professor College of Education Project Leader for the eXtension Youth Community of Practice

Engaging the Youth Audience

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n preparing content for a youth audience there are a few considerations to keep in mind. The youth target audience for eXtension is K-12 of which 4-H is a part. Integrating 4-H content with the eXtension public site is relatively straightforward. However, 4-H is not our only audience so content must be presented as a land-grant resource to a broader audience. As a land-grant resource, the knowledge base and learning environment for youth can be delivered under the eXtension banner as well as the traditional 4-H clover. Other considerations include presenting content in appropriate reading levels, accommodations for adult facilitators, safe learning environments, collaborative learning, interfacing with social media, virtual learning environments, and more. Interfacing with third party resources is critical as well in order to provide paths of learning for the individual. As the Youth SET for Life CoP transitions to the For Youth, For Life CoP, an expanded knowledge base provides a rich learning resource for all learners. The land-grant knowledge base as a starting point for youth audiences can be an excellent service to our audience. Learning forums initiated with eXtension content can expand to include other resources including new knowledge generated by the forum itself.

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Page 1: Engaging the Youth Audience

An eLearning Environment for YouthAn Auburn University Development Project

Directed by Dr. Tony CookExtension Specialist, ACES

Assistant Professor College of EducationProject Leader for the eXtension Youth Community of Practice

Page 2: Engaging the Youth Audience

Project Overview:Develop and test a platform to support eLearning for 4-H and other youth in Alabama and throughout the country through eXtension and other mechanisms. Objectives:

• The WebNetwork and “cloud computing” environment can meet the needs of web-based learning for youth.

• User and group management tools are developed and tested• Security and safety needs are addressed• Usability and effectiveness of a cloud computing environment are assessed• Collaborative learning environment is developed and tested

• Content development can be supported in the same environment• Collaborative tools of the system are tested for use in content development• Content teams are supported to provide content in two or more areas

• Technical challenges can be addressed in regard to scaling up to accommodate larger audiences in both the youth learning environment and content development

• Processes are developed for accommodating larger numbers of users and groups of users in the network

• Multiple users and groups of users are engaged for testing of the system• Collaboration tools for learners are deployed and tested

Page 3: Engaging the Youth Audience

Core Team Members:• Dr. Tony Cook, Extension Specialist, ACES• Dr. Cheryl Seals, Associate Professor, College of Engineering, Computer

Sciences & Software Engineering• Jerri Caldwell, Information Technology, ACES• Justus Nyagwencha, Doctoral Student, CSSE, College of Eng.• Kelly Price, IT Support, CSSE

• Graduate Students• Work with Justus• Virtual environments• Financial literacy project – learning community development• Other areas as needed

Page 4: Engaging the Youth Audience

Project Activities• Purchase of Server

• Three Dell servers• 8GB memory, 4-250GB hard drives (2)

• For active directory and WebNetwork installation• 24GB memory, 4-1TB hard drives (1)

• For all other web support; websites, Drupal, Wordpress, etc. and as appropriate for development & testing

• Stoneware Training• Dr. Cook and Justus N.

• Content Development and eXtension pages• Dr. Cook and Jerri

• Partner Development• Dr. Cook

Page 5: Engaging the Youth Audience

Partner Activities:• For Youth, For Life Community of Practice, eXtension

• 500+ members and interested faculty across the country• Bark Buddies

• Constance Nelson, Planting Tomorrows, Inc.• Potential funding ($150K ?? initially…then much more)• Knowledge platform, learning community, mapping feature,

website, learning games, virtual environments• Virtual Harmony

• Dr. Andrew Stricker, Maxwell AFB• Virtual learning environments; Mars Challenge, Camp 4-H

• Junior Master Gardener• Lisa Whittlesey, Texas A&M University

• Collaboration on Bark Buddies and Virtual Gardens

Page 6: Engaging the Youth Audience

Partner Activities:• Learning Games Laboratory

• Barbara Chamberlin, Director• Bark Buddies collaboration

• eXtension Map@Syst (Geospatial)• Mapping feature for learning communities in FYFL• Chris Dillard, Amy Hayes

• Crop Science for Kids• Dale Monks, John Brasher, Carol Utter, • Virtual Cotton, etc.

Page 7: Engaging the Youth Audience
Page 8: Engaging the Youth Audience

Online Social LearningEnvironments for Youth

Developed by the eXtension Youth Community of Practice Support Team at Auburn University

Page 9: Engaging the Youth Audience

A reliable and credible knowledge resource for an online youth audience

A safe and secure online learning environment for youth and the adults who serve them

A platform for learning communities and collaborative workspace for educators from land-grant universities to contribute to a common knowledge resource for youth

For Youth, For Life is a concept of online learning that addresses the need for a reliable knowledge platform and safe learning environment. With a four theme approach

content is designed to accommodate almost any topic as well as USDA Mission Mandates for youth programming.

Page 10: Engaging the Youth Audience

Key Aspects of FYFL Learning Network

• Provides a safe online learning environment for school-aged youth as individual learners and as members of groups; youth learn collaboratively about real world issues via a land-grant university based knowledge platform.

• The target audience is predominately middle grades & expanding to PreK-12+• 4-H, a USDA/Land-grant university youth program, is a primary audience• Focus on Individual Learner – Personal Profile and Learning Portfolio• Peer-to-Peer and Group Learning – Team Work, Collaboration, and Sharing• Secure Learning Environment – Closed vs. open (facebook, etc.) with age

appropriate settings as users mature; i.e., age, decision-making skills, etc.• Interfacing with Social Media – Where youth are (facebook, YouTube, etc)• Interactions with adults – Parents, Educators, Mentors, Moderators, Experts

Page 11: Engaging the Youth Audience

Knowledge PlatformThe primary learning resource is provided by youth focused Communities of Practice (CoPs). CoPs operate within eXtension which provides collective contribution of content from across the land-grant university system.

Learning in the Cloud!Based upon the concept of cloud computing a “private cloud” is being tested for use with a youth audience as the “safe” learning network environment.

FYFL Desktop – Cloud Environment

Page 12: Engaging the Youth Audience

FYFL Desktop – Cloud Environment

Page 13: Engaging the Youth Audience

eXtension in the FYFL cloud – Interface to eXtension youth pages Learning Community Sites and Collaborative workspace for faculty – Content teams (per

subject matter) Development software Virtual Learning Environments (3rd Space)

FYFL Network Features

Learning ForumsCollaborative learning spaceDynamic content; news type, etc.Safe space for peer-to-peer learningGroup learning; 4-H clubs,

classroom, other

Global ConnectionsUSDA and its international

outreach effortsGlobal 4-H Network interfaces Land-grant UniversitiesPartners

Page 14: Engaging the Youth Audience

webOS page – FYFL version (Web Operating System)

Dashboard Templates

Learning CommunitiesApplications

Private Learning Environment Virtual Learning Online Tools

FYFL Network Page Types and Functions

Public view of FYFL Interface to eXtension

Login page User registration

Adults Youth

Guest UsersUser pagesGroup Facilitator pages

Group profile management

Page 15: Engaging the Youth Audience

KXNN – Kids eXtension News Network

KXNN presents content about work of the land-grant university.

Youth learn about and discuss real world issues through topics presented via KXNN and respond to the topic in various ways including reports on off-line projects, video presentations, photographs, and other methods.

Real World Issues

Youth-adult collaborative production teams creating timely news about research and programs of the university which connect to local stories

and experiences of youth

Kids Extension News Network

YouthLand-Grant Universities

Local News & Youth

Experiences

Research & Development Advancements

Content is posted in an online forum for a club or other group

Page 16: Engaging the Youth Audience

Learner Engagement

Learner InterfacesIndividuals, Groups

Searches lead to Basic and Main content pages

High search probabilities

News Feeds or other Connections

Facilitatorsparents, teachers, helpers

Knowledge Interfaces Other Sources, Partners

Learning ForumsKXNN

Knowledge PlatformeXtension youth contentSocial

Media

Virtual LearningImmersive

Environments

Page 17: Engaging the Youth Audience

FYFL Learning Network

Knowledge PlatformeXtension youth content

Land-Grant University based research & knowledge

KXNNKids eXtension News Network

Learning Forums

Social Media

Learning CommunitiesIndividuals Groups Groups of Groups

Virtual WorldsImmersive

Environments

Facilitators - parents, teachersInterfaces - Other Sources, Partners

Page 18: Engaging the Youth Audience

eXtension Youth PagesKnowledge Platform

• Prepared for the youth audience• Reading levels• Age appropriateness

• Basic generic content• What is it?• Why is it important• How is it relevant in my world and in our world

• More in-depth content• Curriculum• Learning modules

Page 19: Engaging the Youth Audience

eXtension Youth Pages

A Knowledge & Learning Resource for Children & Youth…

These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local InstitutionWelcome! Do you know about your local institution?Alabama A&M University Local Extension 4-H Offices near youAuburn UniversityTuskegee University Select a different institution

What do you want to know?

Home About News Community

Educators

Parents Users fyfl

In the News…

Resource Area s

Public Page Mock-up of Landing Pages – Welcome

Welcome to For Youth, For Life – a place for learning about many topics you may be interested in. Come, explore with us and…

eXtension provides objective and research-based information and learning opportunities that help people improve their lives. eXtension is an educational partnership of 74 universities in the United States.

© 2010 eXtension. All rights reserved. Feeds institutional partners privacy contact us disclaimer terms of use

This resource area was created by the For Youth, For Life community.

Page 20: Engaging the Youth Audience

eXtension Youth Pages

A Knowledge & Learning Resource for Children & Youth…

These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local InstitutionWelcome! Do you know about your local institution?Alabama A&M University Local Extension 4-H Offices near youAuburn UniversityTuskegee University Select a different institution

What do you want to know?

Home About News Community

Educators

Parents Users fyfl

In the News…

Resource Area s

Public Page Mock-up of Landing Pages – Get SCIENCE

SCIENCE for YOUTHLearn about the world around us! Understand how things work and…..

eXtension provides objective and research-based information and learning opportunities that help people improve their lives. eXtension is an educational partnership of 74 universities in the United States.

© 2010 eXtension. All rights reserved. Feeds institutional partners privacy contact us disclaimer terms of use

This resource area was created by the For Youth, For Life community.

Page 21: Engaging the Youth Audience

eXtension Youth Pages

A Knowledge & Learning Resource for Children & Youth…

These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local InstitutionWelcome! Do you know about your local institution?Alabama A&M University Local Extension 4-H Offices near youAuburn UniversityTuskegee University Select a different institution

What do you want to know?

Home About News Community

Educators

Parents Users fyfl

In the News…

Resource Area s

Public Page Mock-up – Basic Content

eXtension provides objective and research-based information and learning opportunities that help people improve their lives. eXtension is an educational partnership of 74 universities in the United States.

© 2010 eXtension. All rights reserved. Feeds institutional partners privacy contact us disclaimer terms of use

This resource area was created by the For Youth, For Life community.

The technical definition of water is that it is a binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear, colorless, odorless, tasteless liquid; freezes into ice when at temperatures below 0 degrees centigrade. The water that you '''can''' see is made up of billions of molecules. Each one of these tiny molecules of water are made up of 2 atoms of hydrogen and 1 atom of oxygen. It is these molecules that are constantly circulating throughout the water cycle! Water covers three-fourths of the surface of the earth. This fact makes our planet very special. The earth has more water than any other planet. It is the only planet where water exists in all three forms: gas (vapor), liquid, or solid (ice). Water is in many locations. It is in liquid form in rivers, streams and oceans. Water is in the form of ice at the North and South Poles. Water is in gas (vapor) form in the atmosphere as clouds.

Topic: Water

Other Topics: Science Health Live Responsibly Service Join 4-H

More about: Water

Related Terms: water cycle, water quality, watershed

Our Partners offer learning experiencesfor you too

Page 22: Engaging the Youth Audience

eXtension Youth Pages

A Knowledge & Learning Resource for Children & Youth…

These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local InstitutionWelcome! Do you know about your local institution?Alabama A&M University Local Extension 4-H Offices near youAuburn UniversityTuskegee University Select a different institution

What do you want to know?

Home About News Community

Educators

Parents Users fyfl

In the News…

Resource Area s

Public Page Mock-up – Main Pages for Content

eXtension provides objective and research-based information and learning opportunities that help people improve their lives. eXtension is an educational partnership of 74 universities in the United States.

© 2010 eXtension. All rights reserved. Feeds institutional partners privacy contact us disclaimer terms of use

This resource area was created by the For Youth, For Life community.

Other Topics: Science Health Live Responsibly Service Join 4-H

All About WaterWelcome to the For Youth, For Life learning site for water. This learning area will help you understand what water is, why it is important, and how it is useful in our world. You will learn about water processes, explore your water resources, water quality and the basic properties of water.

We often take water for granted. Turn on a faucet tap and the water appears. Do you ever think about how the water gets to you? As you admire the view of a river or lake, do you ever wonder how the water there and where it is going? Can you name important rivers and lakes in your community? Do you know your watershed address? Explore the lessons here to find out more about water and your local water resources. We hope you will enjoy these learning experiences and that they will help make you a better steward of your water.

Our Partners offer learning experiencesfor you too

Page 23: Engaging the Youth Audience

eXtension Youth Pages

A Knowledge & Learning Resource for Children & Youth…

These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local InstitutionWelcome! Do you know about your local institution?Alabama A&M University Local Extension 4-H Offices near youAuburn UniversityTuskegee University Select a different institution

What do you want to know?

Home About News Community

Educators

Parents Users fyfl

In the News…

Resource Area s

eXtension provides objective and research-based information and learning opportunities that help people improve their lives. eXtension is an educational partnership of 74 universities in the United States.

© 2010 eXtension. All rights reserved. Feeds institutional partners privacy contact us disclaimer terms of use

This resource area was created by the For Youth, For Life community.

Public Page Projections – External Knowledge Interfaces

Page 24: Engaging the Youth Audience

eXtension Youth Pages

A Knowledge & Learning Resource for Children & Youth…

These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local InstitutionWelcome! Do you know about your local institution?Alabama A&M University Local Extension 4-H Offices near youAuburn UniversityTuskegee University Select a different institution

What do you want to know?

Home About News Community

Educators

Parents Users fyfl

In the News…

Resource Area s

eXtension provides objective and research-based information and learning opportunities that help people improve their lives. eXtension is an educational partnership of 74 universities in the United States.

© 2010 eXtension. All rights reserved. Feeds institutional partners privacy contact us disclaimer terms of use

This resource area was created by the For Youth, For Life community.

Public Page Projections – Community Environment Interface

Community NetworkWelcome to the For Youth, For Life learning site for water. This learning area will help you understand what water is, why it is important, and how it is useful in our world. You will learn about water processes, explore your water resources, water quality and the basic properties of water.

We often take water for granted. Turn on a faucet tap and the water appears. Do you ever think about how the water gets to you? As you admire the view of a river or lake, do you ever wonder how the water there and where it is going? Can you name important rivers and lakes in your community? Do you know your watershed address? Explore the lessons here to find out more about water and your local water resources. We hope you will enjoy these learning experiences and that they will help make you a better steward of your water.

Page 25: Engaging the Youth Audience

eXtension Youth Pages

A Knowledge & Learning Resource for Children & Youth…

These resources are brought to you by the Cooperative Extension System and your Local InstitutionWelcome! Do you know about your local institution?Alabama A&M University Local Extension 4-H Offices near youAuburn UniversityTuskegee University Select a different institution

What do you want to know?

Home About News Community

Educators

Parents Users fyfl

In the News…

Resource Area s

eXtension provides objective and research-based information and learning opportunities that help people improve their lives. eXtension is an educational partnership of 74 universities in the United States.

© 2010 eXtension. All rights reserved. Feeds institutional partners privacy contact us disclaimer terms of use

This resource area was created by the For Youth, For Life community.

Public Page Projections – Users Environment Interface

Users NetworkWelcome to the For Youth, For Life learning site for water. This learning area will help you understand what water is, why it is important, and how it is useful in our world. You will learn about water processes, explore your water resources, water quality and the basic properties of water.

We often take water for granted. Turn on a faucet tap and the water appears. Do you ever think about how the water gets to you? As you admire the view of a river or lake, do you ever wonder how the water there and where it is going? Can you name important rivers and lakes in your community? Do you know your watershed address? Explore the lessons here to find out more about water and your local water resources. We hope you will enjoy these learning experiences and that they will help make you a better steward of your water.

Page 26: Engaging the Youth Audience

Learning Communities

Interfaces with safe learning environment Secure for youth twelve and under

Supports Collaborative Learning Individuals, Groups, and Groups of Groups Joint creations

Sharing with others Map features for sharing across the globe

Sponsorship Underwriting of content development or

community site

Dynamic, appealing, and engaging learning site!

Page 27: Engaging the Youth Audience

Partner Engagement

Identify common interests Content areas

Determine objectives Build up content areas in eXtension platform Interfacing with partner educational resources Engagement of youth audience

Target Audience (demographics) Collaborative efforts

Jointly developed or produced products Sponsorship

Underwriting of content development

Knowledge sources and partners external to eXtension and FYFL Learning Network resources engage along common interests.

Page 28: Engaging the Youth Audience

Opportunities

FYFL CoP Leadership• Team Coordination• Work Groups• Site support• Social Media

Content Team Leadership• Content Development• Content Review• FAQs

Learning Community Site Development• Facilitation• Social Media

Safe Learning Environment• Protocol – group leaders, moderators• Youth User Guidelines

Page 29: Engaging the Youth Audience

John A. (Tony) Cook, Ed.D.Extension 4-H Specialist and Project LeadereXtension’s For Youth, For Life Community of Practice214 Duncan Hall – ACESAuburn University, AL 36849E-mail: [email protected]: 334.844.2233 Fax: 334.844.2262

Jerri HammondsInformation Technology SpecialistFor Youth, For Life CoPE-mail: [email protected] Ph: 334.444.6888

Contact Information: