Teaching, Learning & Technology

Sharing best practices from faculty around the world who are using technology to transform teaching and learning.

After School, the Learning Continues - My Experience with Citizen Schools

jgvanides| December 13, 2012

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Today is a special day that marks the conclusion of my 10 week experience as a volunteer with Citizen Schools. It underscores for me the importance of after school or "extended school day" experiences, especially for students in underserved communities.

This fall, HP colleagues Andre Kuper, Lesley McNorton, Scott Starks, and I had the privilege of volunteering with Citizen Schools to share our love of photography with middle school students in East Palo Alto. The students were amazing. For many, it was the first time they used a camera; for all of them, it was the first time they seriously thought about photography.

Perhaps more importantly, are participation in experiences like this give these students experiences they would likely not have had otherwise - and a chance to find the confidence to stand up and share what they've done with pride and a sense of accomplishment. What I experienced in person was the opportunity gap being filled.

This afternoon is our exhibition, where we've invited the public to see the photos and meet the students. I know most of you can't come in person, but you're still "my community". So I invite you to enjoy the photos in print or online via HP Magcloud:

Net proceeds from the monograph and downloads go to support future Citizen Schools apprenticeships like this…

I look forward to your feedback! Thanks for your support...

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Jim Vanides, B.S.M.E, M.Ed.
Global Education Program Manager
Sustainability & Social Innovation
Hewlett-Packard

www.hp.com/go/socialinnovation
Follow me on Twitter @jgvanides

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About the Author

jgvanides

Education Program Manager
Jim Vanides is a member of the HP Office of Global Social Innovation, responsible for worldwide education philanthropy strategy and programs. This includes the 2010 HP Catalyst Initiative (www.hp.com/go/hpcatalyst) and the 2009 HP Innovations in Education initiative, a $20M investment reaching schools, colleges, and universities in 26 countries. In addition to authoring the blog, “Teaching, Learning, and Technology in Higher Education” (www.hp.com/go/hied-blog) he is a contributing author on the K12 education blog, Guide to Digital Learning Environments (www.guide2digitallearning.com/blog). In his "spare" time, Jim teaches an online course for Montana State University on the Science of Sound (www.scienceteacher.org), a masters-level, conceptual physics course for teachers in grades 5 through 8. Jim’s past work at HP has included engineering design, engineering management, and program management in R&D, Manufacturing, and Business Development. He holds a BS in Engineering and a MA in Education, both from Stanford University.