Global Kids' Digital Media Initiative

I had the pleasure of attending the 18th annual NYLC Service-Learning Conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and brought along one of our finest GK youth, Nafiza, who is a student in our after-school Virtual Video Project program, to speak about our work in the virtual world of Second Life. I was also there to stream the conference into Second Life for the first time, and allowed teens in real-life to see teens in Second Life live during the opening plenary session. Everyone was curious about the teens they saw on the screens up on stage and were thrilled to know that those that were unable to attend the conference in New Mexico, were watching and listening in live from anywhere in the world.

For two days, we streamed the opening plenary session in the morning and a total of four workshops in the afternoon. We worked closely with the AV-Tech team, and the company that provided the Internet on-site. As a first timer to New Mexico, I was overwhelmed by the genuine smiles, hospitality and generosity by the folks there. We enjoyed cultural dances, Native Indian songs, Mexican food, and met with people from all walks of life. I talked to teens that were inspirational, and true leaders in the world of service-learning and volunteerism.

Along with Youth Noise, myself and Nafiza talked about Global Kids and our Online Leadership Program with roughly 40 participants. We encouraged educators to embrace the use of technology, we invited teens to participate in our online dialogue, and we played an ice-breaker game called Human Barometer, which gave everyone a chance to voice their opinion on using digital media and technology in their life. Overall it was a successful workshop and I was very pleased with the feedback.

Thanks to the folks at NYLC and Learn & Serve America for allowing us to share our work and stream the conference virutally for both adult and teen residents of Second Life.

Below are a few pictures from the event, for rest of the photos, please click here.
For all other materials related to the NYLC Service-Learning Conference, please click here.

Audience seeing the Second Life teens in real world during the opening plenary session, also known as a "mix-reality" event

Teens watching and attending the conference on Global Kids Island

Teens watching and listening to welcome message by Dr. James Kielsmeier's, Founder and President of NYLC.

Teens listening in to David Eisner, CEO, Corporation for National & Community Service, DC, as he speaks on the power of youth and service-learning in the U.S.