NML’s Learning Library
what? an online resource offering multimedia
materials and tools for informal learning
why? for youth to develop competencies and
skills needed for full involvement in
participatory culture
how? funding from MacArthur Foundation,
partnering with Platform Shoes Forum,
iterative development and testing
when? alpha launch October 2008

NML context for existing online activities
downloadable
offline upload
activities tool for
user
Learning
blog
Library
interviews opportunities
with media to
producers, participate
researchers
documentary videos showcasing NML skills within
context of media production

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http://www.newmedialiteracies.org/greens/whatis.html
documentary videos showcasing NML skills within
context of media production

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com nity
co mmu
http://newmedialiteracies.techtv.mit.edu/file/623/
documentary videos showcasing NML skills within
context of media production

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co nce
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use
cos play
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com
http://newmedialiteracies.techtv.mit.edu/file/704/
documentary videos showcasing NML skills within
context of media production

NML context for existing online activities
NML Simulation activity instructions
Soda Constructor www.sodaplay.com

Neighborhood
12/05/07
Mapping Your
downloadable Highlights / Tags:
offline
Transmedia Navigation
Networking
Negotiation
activities Maps
Suggestion Video Clips:
Cosplay: Research
Are all maps equal? What stories
does your map tell?
Mapping your Neighborhood
Activity
Using Maps to Tell a Story
When we think of maps, we tend to think 1) Pass around different types of maps. Talk about how their
of traveling and driving directions. However, functions depend on how they are drawn. Notice what elements
maps are very powerful tools to tell personal of a place are being highlighted.
and community stories. When designed
purposefully, they can be useful for 2) Group learners in pairs, choose one of the following types of
ex p r e s s i n g w h a t yo u t h i n k o f yo u r maps to draw. Allot at least 20 minutes.
neighborhood community.
a. A map to highlight what they like in their neighborhood.
The goal of this activity is to help learners Write a brief story about these places.
think about the different ways they can use b. A map to guide tourists through important places of their
maps to express their experience and neighborhood. Suggest a route or tour plan for the tourist.
thoughts about their neighborhood c. A map to illustrate things they don’t like about their
community. What they remember, what they neighborhood and what can be done.
like, and what they wish were different are
all elements of a story that could be told 3) Each group takes a turn to show their map and talk about
through drawing maps. what they wrote/drew.
What you need:
•Large sheets of drawing paper!
•Markers, Crayons, or Color Pencils!
•No. 2 Pencils!
•Examples of different types of maps (some Contact info:
examples are included on our website)!

blog
interviews
with media
producers,
researchers
NML blog interview with researcher on visualization

upload
tool for
user

site map interface:
linear, text-based, static

“nodal” interface:
visual, animated, responsive, exploratory

Learning Library Collections
Fall 2008 Project NML’s media producers
Upcoming by NML strategic partners:
• Lawrence Family Development
Charter School
•Youth Media Exchange
•Home, Inc.
•Zoey’s Room

www.newmedialiteracies.org