Electronic textiles in youth work

BACKGROUND

Through this project we want to initiate youth practitioners to maker education, in particular to educational practices involving electronic textiles.

The rationale behind this training course is to introduce youth practitioners to techniques and methods revolving around technology, arts and crafts, to combine the pedagogical benefits of these approaches to non formal education. In the long run, we expect to contribute to boosting young people's digital literacy as well as other 21st century competencies.

OBJECTIVES

- Exchange on tinkering as an emerging pedagogical approach, especially the methodology mixing arts, crafts and technology

- Sensitize youth workers to initiatives around electronic DIY and digital culture, as well as initiatives that can encourage youth to engage with local maker communities (ex. makerfest, maker faires, etc.)

- Share competencies, anecdotes, and experiences between the participating parties on the topic of digitally-enabled non formal education/youth work

ACTIVITIES

The training course will focus heavily on practical hands-on activities. Some of these will involve use of computer numeric controlled machines such as 3D printers and laser cutter. Examples of practical workshops which will be held on the occasion of the training course are:

- Introduction to electronics and coding (building simple electronic devices using sensors and actuators)

- Introduction to visual/block coding softwares (ex. mBlock, Scratch for Arduino)

- Introduction to electronic textiles

- Creating e-textile devices such as augmented tote bags, interactive pluches, plush video-game controllers

- Experimentation of modern educational tools on electronics and computing (ex. programmable toys)

- Introduction to digital fabrication (laser cutting, 3D printing, etc.)

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Participants will learn how to:

- Initiate and supervise activities targeting youth on the topics digital diy, electronic textiles, making

- Identify and seize opportunities to constantly innovate youth workers’ professional practices

- Combine arts, crafts and technology in educational contexts

- Boost female youth participation in educational workshops on digital science

TARGET PUBLIC

- Anyone with a passion for/interest in digital technologies, and interested in youth work

- Individuals active in the promotion of DIY and/or digital culture interested in running educational activities targeting young people

- Youth practitioners with an experience in maker education, or simply willing to launch educational workshops on this topic

IMPORTANT NOTE

This training is part of a 2-phase programme. The second stage will take place in Bucharest, Romania, from April 22nd to April 28th 2019. There will be a separate call for participants for that activity. Nonetheless, you will be able to re-apply for the second stage of Electronic textiles in youth work.

HOW TO APPLY

You can apply via this website or via the following google form: https://goo.gl/forms/4DCZa8A0gQqDLnef1

Applications are open till December 7th, midnight. Candidates will be notified about the results by December 21st. Please check your email regularly during that time.