OpenWorld Learning
Posted on 08. Mar, 2011 by KB in Posts
Recently, I was invited to observe the afterschool program called OpenWorld Learning (aka OWL). Lea Ann Reitzig, the Managing Director of OpenWorld Learning, invited us to come and learn more about the program at one of its sites.
OpenWorld Learning is an after-school technology and leadership program that’s been running for the past eleven years. The program currently takes place at nine Denver Public Schools. Each school makes their computer lab accessible to the participating students. It’s a true partnership between the school and OpenWorld Learning. STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) skills are taught to the children through challenging computer programs such as MicroWorlds and Scratch. The students become critical thinkers, problem solvers and mentors to one another, as they are supported and encouraged through each level of the technology curriculum. Some students who go through the program become Student Leaders and take on a leadership role by assisting their peers with their learning.
OpenWorld Learning supports children’s school success by tapping the power of digital technology and peer teaching to develop leadership and ignite a love of learning. This is their mission statement and it’s exactly what I observed when I visited the program at Park Hill Elementary School last month.
There were seven students, all boys, on this particular afternoon and two staff members. When I arrived, the students were engaged and glued to their computer screens. At times, they would talk to the student next to them and give advice, if necessary. The elementary program is for 3-5th grade students. Students in the elementary program learn technology skills that include Internet research, animation, multi-media presentation and computer programming. They develop games, create presentations, and can share projects with children from all over the country via the Internet. Although this site had no girls participating, Lea Ann told me that the program has 45% girls in attendance. I was excited to hear this statistic. OpenWorld Learning is trying to draw girls to the program and excite them about technology while improving their math and science skills simultaneously. The program has several components including 30 minutes of physical activity, a healthy snack, an hour or hour and a half of lab work, and 30 minutes of homework help. Lea Ann explained that students involved in OpenWorld Learning have increased CSAP scores, become more confident, and take on a leadership role in school, especially with technology.
I sat down with a couple of students that afternoon and watched them in action, each working on their independent level. One student led me through a game he created. He explained to me how he wrote the code for programming which created the game. He assured me you must have a plan and programming is trial and error. Of course, most of his explanation went right over my head (technology is not my strong suit) but I was impressed nonetheless. He answered the questions I had and was very invested in his project and completing the task at hand. I asked him what he wanted to be when he grew up. He replied, “A pilot.” If he continues to excel with this program, the skills he’s acquiring will definitely aid him in flying the friendly skies one day! All the students I observed that day were focused and clearly enjoying themselves.
The traditional sites for OpenWorld learning take place at Title I schools (schools that host a large percentage of low-socioeconomic students). These sites have three staff members per site, a 12 to 1 student ratio, and take place four days a week for three hours. The program runs the duration of the school year. Some students can earn a computer to take home. The curriculum is in English and Spanish.
There is a curriculum offered to Middle School students (6-8th graders). The core of the program includes the following Techno Tracks–Robotics, PicoCricket, Stop Motion Animation and Graphic Design. Each of the tracks allows students to engage with their peers while learning about technology they might encounter in the years to come. On May 14th, a Tech Fair will take place at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. The students will share the projects they’ve been working on throughout the year and be judged by professionals from the information technology industry on their creations. Some students will win a College Invest Savings Account.
Currently, OpenWorld Learning’s primary focus is with DPS (seven schools are on the wait list). The program is funded by the DPS Foundation as well as private funding. To learn more about (OWL) and how to bring it to your school, please visit their website at www.openworldlearning.org. A special thanks to Lea Ann Reitzing for alerting us to this valuable resource.
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