Welcome to ICT4me!

ICT4me is an after school and summer youth-based curriculum for middle school youth to develop Information Communication and Technology (ICT) fluency, interest in mathematics, and knowledge of ICT careers. This problem-based curriculum capitalizes on youth interest in design and communication technologies. ICT4me provides structured interactions with ICT professionals, including having youth participate in engineering design and development teams. ICT4me's use of the design process, and a train-the-trainer approach to building STEM capacity in informal learning provides strategies for practitioners.

ICT4me's goals are to

• motivate middle school youth to use technology and to build technology fluency.
• increase youth interest in and desire to take high school algebra, geometry, and computer science courses in preparation for postsecondary STEM education and/or careers.
• increase youth interest in ICT and ICT careers.
• enhance staff capacity to provide ICT-fluency programming.
  

ICT4me was developed under NSF awards 1339181, 1232461, and 0524762. SRI is no longer supporting the development of ICT4me, so we wanted to make the materials available for wide use. The links below serve as a guide to the curriculum.

Manager/Director/Coordinator

• What technology do you need? (1) one computer (PC or Mac) with high speed Internet access for every 2-3 participants; (2) LCD projector; and (3) computers should all have a minimum of 50 MB of hard disk space and 64 MB of RAM. Learn more...
• How do you recruit ICT Professionals? Each unit MUST include a minimum of two interactions with ICT professionals through visits or field trips. These encounters are critical for encouraging youth's interest in ICT careers. Learn more...
• How does ICT4me fit in at your site? Find tips about implementing ICT4me at your specific site in Site Scenarios. Learn more...
• How do you support your staff in implementing ICT4me? Staff will need one or two professional development sessions per unit, curriculum discussions, and occasional support with youth on high-technology days. Learn more...

Facilitator

• Where do you begin with the curriculum? You'll want to be very familiar with the curriculum before you lead a session with the youth. Take time read the preparation sections and do the activity your self before implementation. Learn more...
• What materials will you need? Each session provides a detailed list of suggested materials for the activity including technology and any background information you'll need to lead the lesson. Learn more...
  Remember to check the technology before you begin each session!
• How do you recruit youth? Check out the recruitment materials and advice from pilot sites on how to recruit youth to ICT4me. Learn more...
• How do you engage youth? Understanding youth familiarity with technology and design will help you structure the program to work well for you and them. Learn more...