True to their commitment to offer students at Timbuktu Academy of Science and Technology (TAST), a Detroit Public Schools charter academy, opportunities usually afforded schools with greater affluence, Brenda Parker, principal; Cha-Ronda Ellis, assistant principal; Bernard Parker, CEO of Magnum Educational Management Company; Warrington Parker, director of Professional Development; and teacher Dialo Smith recently escorted three middle school students to the Digital Youth Network (DYN) in Chicago.
TAST student representatives were eighth graders Jessica Tolen and Keymontez Hairston and 7th grader Keilone Wilson. The students visited the DYN where they were introduced to digital technology advancements in the areas of video, audio and film production.
The DYN is a digital literacy program that creates opportunities for youth to engage in relevant, real-world learning opportunities through the use of digital technology. The DYN model focuses on the 6th through 8th grade experience linked to school-based curriculum and student interest to support using new media to stimulate and expand their creativity and imagination.
DYN is supported by the Urban Education Institute (UEI) of The University of Chicago and provides full-time services to students participating in UEI/University of Chicago charter schools.
During their visit to the DYN studio, the students were greeted by mentors who took them on a tour of the state-of-the-art recording and editing rooms all equipped with digital equipment and application technology.
The students were inspired and wanted to know when TAST would be implementing the technology program at the school.
The trip also had a surprise for the students as they visited the Chicago home of President Obama.
To contact Timbuktu, call (313) 823-6000 or visit www.timbuktuacademy.org.
About Post Author
