1. Teens on the Digital Fringes Dr. Lesley S. J. Farmer California State University, Long Beach lfarmer@csulb.edu

2. Introduction Quick! Imagine a teen techie! The Digital Divide The library’s role Fostering digital inclusion Starting with teens Technology issues: access and use Getting into action

3. Today’s Teens College Class of 2010: They have always been able to watch wars and revolutions live on television. Noriega has always been in jail in the U.S. What’s a record player, a typewriter, an 8- track type, a Beta video? Professional athletes have always competed in the Olympics. There’s always been a screening test for AIDS.

4. The Borders in Teens’ Lives Family and school Family and peers (culture, language) School structure that impedes learning Emotions that distract from learning Expectations differences between boys and girls Worldview about sexuality

5. Groups on the Digital Fringes Homeless: risk sex and drug abuse Teens of color: issues of health, education, transience, different norms Immigrants: issues of race, generations National language learners Rural and isolated / Migrants Gang members / Incarcerated / Dropouts: urban, poor, stressed, alienated Teenage parents Girls: male culture, stereotypes Teens with physical and mental disabilities: less likely to have jobs, leave home, develop relationships

6. Information Poor Don’t think they can help themselves Behave secretly/ deceptively to protect what info they have Don’t take social risks Don’t think people outside their class would share info with them May be successful within their own culture Technology can empower them and help them link with other groups

7. Physical Access to Technology Access: hardware, software, connectivity Library access: distance, year-round, hours, scheduling, regularity, length of time, remote access Free Internet vs. deep Internet

8. Technical Access to Technology What is there to learn? mechanics, evaluation How do teens learn technology? messing around, friends, hands-on Instructional issues: motivation, expectations, interactivity, choice, variety, pacing/steps, flexibility Venues for learning: library, community, business collaboration

9. Intellectual Access to Technology The technology world Information literacy Media literacy Issues: language, textual literacy, context, meaningful purpose

10. Digital Content for Teens Relevant content Local information Education Language issues: translation, non-English sites, visual cues, meaningful content/context Creating content

11. Use of Technology by Teens Development of technology use: self- interest>>interaction>>creation Speed bumps: mechanics, instable technology, no email/chat, $$, time… Independent use: email, IM, shop, entertainment, education Teen technology use in schools Teen technology use in libraries Teen technology use in communities

12. Factors that Foster Teen Use Teen space Internet connectivity (speed!) Useful software Tolerance of noise, social aspects Reasonable rules (and cost) on printing, email/chat, downloading, time on machines Opportunities for volunteering

13. Technology and Life after School Jobs/employment Information literacy and technology Communications technology Programs for careers and technology College / higher education Citizenship / politics

14. Laying the Groundwork Interacting with teens Interacting with communities Action plan: Identify the audience and motivators Involve stakeholders Develop and deliver compelling vision and message Insure enough resources and support Follow-through and assess

15. And, When in Doubt…. Get to know teens Include them Support them …and ADVOCATE for them!