Description
There are 3 Hive learning networks based in Pittsburgh, Chicago and New York City, offering out of school programs for inner city youth. The networks are dedicated to transforming the learning landscape by creating opportunities for youth to explore their interests through connected learning experiences of varying lengths. View a list of current projects at Hive Pittsburgh.
Core Beliefs of Hive New York City:
- School is not the sole provider in a community’s educational system
- Youth need to be both sophisticated consumers and active producers of digital media
- Learning should be driven by youth’s interests
- Digital media and technology are the glue and amplifier for connected learning experiences
- Out-of-school time spaces are fertile grounds for learning innovation
- Organizations must collaborate to thrive
How do Hive Networks demonstrate CL?
Personalized/interest-powered
Individuals seek out programs that are of interest, whether related to arts, sciences, or social endeavors. Students are encouraged to explore their interests via available technology.
Collaborative
Teamwork in an integral part of the programs, where students engage in creating or problem-solving as a group. Students are encouraged to navigate their social networks to mobilize mentors and rally support for projects. Hive programs themselves are collaborative in that they are supported by hundreds of community organizations, which in turn are often staffed by volunteers.
Authentic
The programs rely on students working with each other, the community, and mentors to make meaningful connections and solve real problems. Many of the projects involve creating with digital media within an engaged learning environment.
Academic
Examples of links between Hive projects and academic subject are represented by such varied programming as GEMS(Girls in Math and Science), the Dream Flight Adventure where students journey through space, the human body, and more, and the Avonworth Galleries Project where museum sections are curated by students.
Interconnected
Much of the programming links formal and informal learning to the possibility of career-building. For example, there is a youth media program, a mobile app lab, and a mock record label. In fact, most of the programs might inspire students to pursue ongoing interests in subjects, including post-secondary studies.
Equitable
Programming is available to all youth, regardless of social and financial circumstance.
While there are fees for programs, there is also needs-based tuition assistance available.
What are the Hive Networks potential as vehicles for CL?
Hive Learning Networks are connected learning in action. Situated in urban centers, these networks re-imagine how learning is organized and supported. Every day, young people move amongst learning experiences in a variety of environments, from formal classroom-based schooling to informal educational settings like museums and libraries, to virtual communities and social networks. The strength of the approach is that it works within existing educational systems. Anyone could conceivable create their own after-school Hive Network within their own context
What are the threats to Hive Network’s success?
The Hive Networks are not self-funding organizations; instead they rely on financial support of philanthropic organizations such as the MacArthur Foundation. Such support is not guaranteed, thus Hive Networks may one day be left unsupported.
The Hive Networks rely on community organizations to operate day to day operations, which in turn rely on volunteers to carry out the programming. Should the community organizations or volunteers pull their support of the programs, the Hive Networks work could not continue.