“Could you please offer more technology classes?” is one of the most frequent programming requests my youth services department receives (well, that and Minecraft.) To remedy the customer demand we developed Digitech, monthly programs for children ages 8 — 12 that focus on digital creation using apps.
The children aged 8-9 participate in the Digitech Navigators and the 10 -12 year olds are Digitech Warriors. We decided to offer two age levels for this program, because we found the younger group had a different skill set and attention span than the older kids. They usually last about 20 minutes exploring an app, whereas the older kids really want to delve in and embrace the creative process.
For each class we divide the children into pairs and each pair gets an iPad to share. Using Apple TV we are able to easily lead the group through the basics of the app and then set them free to explore. We try to keep the instruction aspect of the program down to a minimum. We really want the kids to get an opportunity to play around with the app and make something. During the last ten minutes we invite them to share what they have created with the rest of the group. For many of our kids this is the real highlight of the program. They are proud of their work and they really like showing everyone their projects.
Some of the apps the kids have enjoyed the most during these programs are:
LongExpo (Free) Photography App
This was used during our “painting with light program.” This app allows you to time your exposures and add special effects. We used this app with both groups and the kids loved it! You will need flash lights, balloons, rubber bands, and a pitch-black room.
Example of students light painting.
Toontastic (Free for basic, $19.99 All Access) Digital Storytelling
Wanting to mix in storytelling we decided to use Toontastic. This apps allows you to easily create an animated cartoon. The best part about this program was seeing how the kids collaborated during the program. At the end we had a mini-movie marathon for the kids to show their work.
Hopscotch (Free) Coding for Kids
Similar to Scratch, but for the iPad, Hopscotch allows kids to learn how to program using drop and drag blocks of code. This app worked better with the Warriors because they simply had more patience and were able to focus. All the kids thought it was pretty cool that they were able to create their own games.
coLAR Mix (Free, $2.99 for additional coloring sheets) Augmented Reality Coloring Pages
If you really want a wow factor this app knocked our kids’ socks off! The ooohs and ahhs filled the room as the kids brought their images to life.
Over the past six months the kids have become really engaged in this program, some to the point of bringing their own devices, so they can download the featured app immediately. In the upcoming months we are looking forward to introducing our customers to more augmented reality apps as well as getting them into experimenting with digital music.
–Amber Creger is a member of School-Age Programs and Services Committee and the Manager of Kids’ World at the Arlington Heights Memorial Library in Arlington Heights, IL. She can be contacted at acreger@ahml.info if you would like to know more.