Based on previous research efforts and Lab activities, the Youth and Media team has made great strides building a curriculum focusing on social/emotional learning, and, in particular, online relationships.
So far, the young members of the lab together with the core Youth and Media team have developed three modules about Social-Emotional Learning & Online Relationships:
1. Creativity in Online Spaces
The module considers the value of creativity both online and offline, as well as the connection between creativity and science. Participants are encouraged to reflect on the relationship between creativity in their online practices and their interests in science and technology. This can done by reflecting on who they are, what they do online, and how creativity plays a role to each of these. Finally, participants produce analog or digital media designed to motivate or inspire others to pursue science, technology, education, and math (STEM).
Creativity in Online Spaces – PDF
Creativity in Online Spaces – PPT
Creativity in Online Spaces Handouts – DOC
2. Healthy Relationships Online
For today’s youth, the intricacies of online interaction can significantly impact their relationships. This module explores the topic of healthy relationships and emotional wellbeing among youth in relation to their technology use. Additionally, this module targets youth who work as peer leaders, trainers, mentors, etc., (“youth ambassadors”), and encourages them to think critically about this topic. The participants are also encouraged to identify ways of promoting positive bystanding (or, “upstanding”) among their peers, which include actions like discouraging bullying acts, offering their peers support, and openly communicating about issues that arise in a personal and school context.
Healthy Relationships Online – PDF
Healthy Relationships Online – PPT
3. Perspective
Media can be a powerful means for presenting audiences with different perspectives. In this module, participants explore what perspective is and what influences and shapes it. In particular, they consider the roles of empathy and the ability to understand others’ perspectives in the process of creating and sharing powerful media about social or community issues.
If you would like to know more about our modules, please feel free to send us (youthandmedia@cyber.law.harvard.edu) an email anytime. We are happy to provide you with additional information and/or share the actual modules with you.
After School Matters, Free Spirit Media, and Umoja Youth Builders
Workshop with After School Matters, Free Spirit Media, and Umoja Youth Builders, July 25th-26th, Chicago, IL: 2012
After 100-plus degree weather in D.C., the YaM team had no problem braving the notorious midsummer Chicago heat. Much to the contrary: after another few weeks of extensive brainstorming, internal testing, and iterating at the Berkman Klein Center, the team was psyched to be able to test out our Perspective module with youth audiences. By collaborating with Chicago-based After School Matters, one of Chicago’s largest providers of innovative out-of-school youth activities, YaM also got to work with youth from a couple of its community partners, Free Spirit Media (FSM) and the Umoja Community Builders program, part of the Umoja Student Development Corporation. Both FSM and Umoja engage youth in media production projects while concurrently exploring particular community issues ways to use their media alongside other forms of advocacy. (During Summer 2012, FSM’s youth took a look at the DREAM Act and the problem of uninsured Chicago youth, among others; Umoja’s investigated different aspects of “school culture”). For these young documentarians, activists, and advocates, it was only fitting to test the module Perspective, which explores how having empathy and working to understand others’ perspectives can help make a change.