Mobile Technology Assists with Life Skills Education
From Shareideas
Life Routes is a programme in the UK that works with young people aged 11-19 in areas identified by the UK Government as requiring specific regeneration and development, and builds young people’s self-assurance and awareness of their own potential through project and team based learning. It is formed of a network of local programmes managed by the National Children’s Bureau and funded by Nokia.
A recent Life Routes project utilised the video and camera functionality of a multimedia mobile phone to assist a group of Life Routes participants from Calderdale to develop their creativity skills and create a blog to share with their friends and within their community. Nokia UK provided a group of 25 young people with training and support in using the mobile phones to take still and moving images.
As well as learning how to use the technology, the young people were taught how to compose pictures and bring different moods and effects to their videos. These photos and video clips were then uploaded to the newly created Life Routes blog. Back home in Calderdale, they regularly update the blog with photos, videos and news from the programme.
Through mastering new technology, young people can develop greater confidence in their own abilities. They can learn how to work in teams, solve problems, think creatively and communicate effectively both in person and in writing. Using the technology captures their imagination making the process of learning fun and interactive. The blog also allows programme participants and practitioners at the various locations to keep updated on the news and events that they are doing.
The multimedia component of the programme was launched in June 2007 and will soon be expanded to three additional regions where Life Routes is operating. To see samples of the work completed to date, please visit: http://www.liferoutes.vox.com
Life Routes is delivered through a network of local programmes supported by Nokia and managed by the National Children’s Bureau (NCB). The International Youth Foundation (IYF) provides international coordination of the Nokia Community Involvement programmes.
Technology used
Multi-media phones
Computer
Related links
- For more information on Life Routes, please visit: http://www.liferoutes.org.uk
- For more information on Nokia UK Ltd, please visit: http://www.nokia.co.uk
- For further information on NCB, please visit: http://www.ncb.org.uk
- For more information on IYF, please visit: http://www.iyfnet.org
