Summary
Anythink has been supporting connected learning programming in its Thornton, Colorado, library since 2012. The brightly lit library includes The Studio for young people to hang out, explore new digital technologies, and go deeper with specific interest-based learning opportunities. With funding from IMLS for its expansion of Learning Labs built on the YOUmedia model, Anythink has been able to both sustain and study its programs. Anythink is a leader in developing innovative, usable tools for evaluating learning, including the talkback boards described here.
Written by: Josephina Chang-Order, William R. Penuel, Amanda Wortman, Michael Harris, Katie Van Horne, Sari Widman, Melia Repko-Erwin.
The Capturing Connected Learning in Libraries (CCLL) project—a research and practice collaboration between the Connected Learning Lab, CU Boulder, SRI International, Los Angeles Public Library (LAPL), YALSA, and YOUmedia—enables libraries to better assess learning outcomes for their connected learning programs and spaces, and it boosts their ability to use evaluation data to improve their programs. It is focused on identifying challenges connected learning programs face and helpful ways of addressing those challenges. This project is generously funded by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
