YALSA Connected Learning

Learn about Connected Learning - what it is and how library staff working with teens can bring it into the work they do every day. Brought to you by the Young Adult Library Services Association.

[yalsacl-blog]

Connected learning leads to being able to take creative risks.

Participant at the 2014 YALSA President's Program

[yalsacl-blog]

Connected learning allows us to realize that learning is also about a process.

Participant at the 2014 YALSA President's Program

[yalsacl-blog]

Connected Learning facilitates critical analysis for librarians and teens.

Participant at the 2014 YALSA President's Program

[yalsacl-blog]

Teach teens that it is okay to fail and that FAILURE leads to LEARNING.

Participant at the 2014 YALSA President's Program

[yalsacl-blog]

library = a community of learners

Participant at the 2014 YALSA President's Program

[yalsacl-blog]

I am eager to rethink after school time to massage frenetic energy into CREATIVITY!

Participant at the 2014 YALSA President's Program

[yalsacl-blog]

Connected learning provides an opportunity to find out what our teens are interested in. The challenge lies in sustaining that interest and not taking over if interest wanes.

Participant at the 2014 YALSA President's Program

[yalsacl-blog]

What defines connected learning for you?

user-driven

interest-driven

a place where anyone can be an expert

building skills to a career

community-learning

a scaffolding to build on

leveling up current skills

using technology as a base for interaction to learn new things

tying technology and learning together

having a choice about how and what you learn (adapting to various learning styles)

Bringing people from various social and cultural groups together to explore a common interest

Giving kids permission to learn

[yalsacl-blog]

Where does connected learning happen without the help of the internet?

Can it happen without the help of the internet?

drama clubs

tech days in the detention center where internet is not allowed or strictly limited

[yalsacl-blog]

Why is connected learning important for libraries?

connected learning is an evolving process that builds and leads to creativity

it builds relationships between teens and adults, libraries and communities and teens and their peers

it builds on the idea of multiple intelligences and helps expand the human mind

it helps libraries develop authentic partnerships with the broader community, partnerships that support the teen, not necessarily the library

it allows the library to reach teens and families we might not reach

It provides evidence for why the library is important to the community

libraries are uniquely positioned to support life-long learning

[yalsacl-blog]

Motivation is a key part of learning

Gretchen Kolderup, YALSA Board of Directors

[yalsacl-blog]

Even the simplest craft program can be turned into a connected learning experience, just apply the framework.

Participant at the 2014 YALSA President's Program

[yalsacl-blog]

Can you think of an example of connected learning that you are already doing or see in your library?

STEAM students finding each other outside of the classroom to keep learning and experimenting

tech days in detention centers (sharing methods and ideas without the internet)

hacking minecraft to not pay (while also getting around library computer security) then passing that knowledge on to other players

changing the vernacular (classes vs programs, staff vs educators)

makerspaces in libraries and schools

meetup groups for special interests

community badging projects like the Summer of Learning

coding camps

scavenger hunts that encourage the use of library resources 

[yalsacl-blog]

How can you level up what you are already doing to make it connected?

schools should offer opportunities for “free learning time” and allow students to follow their interests

create time for reflection on library programs (what worked, what didn’t work)

listen to your patrons and get their feedback

find community partners

leverage staff expertise and knowledge

create program kids to disperse connected learning programs

leverage patron expertise by hosting “nerd nights” at the library

advocate for staff to develop their interests and skills as a way to get them passionate about connected learning for others

presenting to administration to find new opportunities

learning to step back and let peer-to-peer learning happen (find the line between flexible teen-driven programs and a big mess)

[yalsacl-blog]

I learned that the interests of teens can be expanded into so much if directed purposefully.

Participant at the 2014 YALSA President's Program

[yalsacl-blog]

How is your library thinking about connected learning?

teen tech team who teaches digital immegrants how to use their devices

connecting interest group leaders with teens

a stipend for teen program presenters

as simple as showing teens the resources that support their interests

putting a name to it when speaking to administration

as a way to promote choice

finding community partners

dmphasizing to staff that it doesn’t have to be scary, we can all fail and learn together

[yalsacl-blog]

What is your story of connected learning as a teen?

A solo bike trip through Cambodia and Laos (connecting with other bikers on YouTube)

Learning to knit via YouTube

Finding new teen programming ideas for the library via YouTube and Pinterest

Learning new skills (of all kinds) on Instructables

Learning to build websites (when the web was new) to share a love of Sailor Moon with the world

Learning subversive marketing and event production to put on punk rock shows without the cops catching on

Writing Harry Potter fanfic

Learning C++ to mod video games