This document discusses programs for tweens (ages 8-12) that help them learn online skills. It describes websites kids use like YouTube and LEGO.com. It notes surprising questions kids ask, like how to make squiggly email signs or spell websites. The document emphasizes that kids aren't automatically "digital natives" and provides examples of library programs teaching online skills through activities like making book trailers and comic books. It concludes that libraries play an important role in kids' informal learning outside of school.

1. KIDS AND
COMPUTERS:
PROGRAMS FOR
TWEENS
Sara M. Bryce, La Crosse Public Library

2. “Millennial” generation

3. Things LPL kids use the
Internet for:
 Watching movies on streaming sites
(youtube.com)
 Role-playing games (bgames.com,
LEGO.com)
 Games where you make things (Barbie.com)
 Facebook Chat

4. Surprising questions from kids
8-12
 How do you make the squiggly sign in emails?
 This site asked me for my username and
password. What is it?
 I want to go to LEGO.com but I don’t know how to
spell it.
 What do you mean, “Google it?”

5. Bottom line:
 We can’t assume digital natives know
everything about the Internet and technology
 Conduct your own [very unscientific and
possibly creepy] experiment of your own to
see what YOUR kids would like!

6. “I Hate Mondays” Garfield party
Professor Garfield.org

7. “Hiding the vegetables”

8. Here’s the broccoli!

9. Comic Book Creator

10. Some more veggies….

11. “Is this all they’ll be doing?”

12. “Why aren’t they DOING
anything?”
 “As we speak, your child is:
 honing problem solving skills by navigating the
games
 building social skills by playing with a partner
 practicing a variety of subjects in a non-
classroom scenario
 fostering self-efficacy
You’re welcome.”

13. Bringing Books to Life: Book
Trailers
 Had kids register so I knew what I was getting
into
 Kids registered, I had things all set
 No-school day in February; perfect for an
inside activity!

14. A perfect, 50-degree, sunny…

15. OneTrueMedia
 Videos 30 seconds or less are free
 Can tie an acct to Flickr for easy access to
photos
 Easy posting to Youtube or Facebook

16. Lots of customization

17. Finished products!
 One we did together:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hx0BwEXM
Otk
 Emily, age 7:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW8HUTI5n
m8
 Mason, age 8:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWNPed0X
GWk
 Alex, age 11:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iK39rr19u04

18. Another good bet: Xtranormal
 Info for library programs:
 Babe and Todd:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYp_wJNR-
Zc
 Rocky and Flare:
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lYd5q_5YN
HQ
 Also easy for kids to do!

19. Final thought
 The informal, exciting half of kids' education
occurs “after school.” This is the place where
21st century students learn about their world
and prepare themselves for their 21st century
lives.
--Marc Prensky, education and technology
innovator
 We’re the “after school”! Yaaaay, us!

20. Thank you!
 Contact info:
Sara Bryce
La Crosse Public Library
(608)789-7128
sara@lacrosselibrary.org
brycedontplay.blogspot.com