Supporting a Generation of Digital Makers
This week I’m over in Austin, Texas for a session I’m running today with Kate Stokes from Nesta at SXSWedu. Entitled Supporting a Generation of Digital Makers, it’s ostensibly a panel session, but we’re hacking the format a bit to include some discussion activities.
Summary:
Technology is shaping our world, yet most people still only consume it. To harness its potential, learners need to understand how it works and what is possible. Going beyond theoretical instruction, young people can be empowered to gain new digital skills by making things they are passionate about – from web pages to robots. So how do we encourage a generation of young people to be digital makers?
In the UK, Mozilla, Nesta and Nominet Trust are working with partners to spark a digital-making movement.
Why?
To connect existing opportunities and amplify impact. To make more activities available to learners. Most importantly, to change perspectives on what we learn (digital skills are more than coding), how we learn (not just transmitting theory) and where we can learn (anywhere!).
Sharing experiences from this collaborative work-in-progress, we will bring participants into a lively discussion on how digital making can become a core educational experience for youth everywhere.
You can find out more about the Digital Makers programme on the Nesta website with additional commentary on the Nominet Trust and Mozilla blogs. Also, check out the short video montage I created from some of the application videos:
