Voices of Youth

The following items are needed for full participation in this telecollaborative project:

 

• a computer for each student, with the following:

  • internet access

  • word processing software

  • video editing software, such as Windows MovieMaker

• a functioning email address for each student

• at least two cameras for taking photographs (with computer cable)

• at least five web cameras

• at least five flip cameras

• at least one microphone

 

Because Voices of Youth is an online site, it is necessary for students to have computers with internet access so that they can view the site and its various posts, submit their own posts to the site, and participate in discussions hosted on the site. In the event that a computer is not available for each student, students may work with a partner, view content via their personal device (cell phone, iPad, etc.), or explore the site at home. An email address is also helpful so that students can receive confirmation that their submissions have been received. In the event that a student does not have an email address, the teacher could submit items for the students.

 

The collaborative aspect of this project requires that students generate their own posts to be submitted to Voices of Youth. These submissions can be in the form of articles, images, videos, poems, and more. In order to develop items for submission, students will need access to the other tools mentioned above (word processing software, flip camera, etc.). The recommended number of each item mentioned above takes into account that students may be creating a submission collaboratively or they may be working on different types of submissions at any given time. For instance, some students may be writing an article, while others are taking photographs, and still others are creating videos. In the event that limited numbers of these additional tools are available, students may choose to use their smart phone for taking photographs or creating videos. They may also choose to hand write articles, reviews, and poems, and then type them at home.

 

NOTE: Currently, the Teacher Academy of Maryland students have access to all of the suggested technology tools indicated above, so they will be able to fully participate in the project.