Developing a Format for Dialogue on MMOG/MUVE Design for At-Risk Youth

Thank you for everyone who has begun to respond to my bizarre request to identify game developers who are interested in youthwork. There is so much more to discuss around this topic. It represents a massive project which will take place over a long time and will require MANY conversations which will probably incorporate many different people who will participate with different levels of commitment...

That being said, I think that it would be important to address different issues being raised in the responses in separate postings. I'll try to deliniate these so that we can hash out these subjects one at a time. Hopefully this will allow for folks to concentrate the subjects being addressed.

So - If you have an issue which you'd like to talk about related to developing a MUVE/MMORPG for after-school programs/at-risk youth, post your question here and if it is a new subject, I'll create a new post which can facilitate that conversation.

Thanks,
Steve

Any Game Designers Out There Interested in Youthwork?

I have been thinking over the past few months about the potential of the internet to serve as a medium for collaborative youthwork media design. The big idea which has been of great interest to me is the development of a Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game which is specifically designed to be a catalyst for serious reflection on the real-life choices at-risk youth are making. I think that this is something which could be used to amplify the purpose of computer centers from being merely tools for homework or gameplay, to being a medium which serves as an agent for social apprenticeship.

I have several ideas on this based on studies which I have been doing both at New York University and here at Project 1:17. The greatest challenge for me is both the time and the know-how of how to pull off such an idea. However, I have great trust in the resolve of people who are interested in doing something great without any expectation of personal compensation (!)

So, this is an experiment which I am doing - Who's interested in talking about developing a game for at-risk youth that will help to provide imaginative strategies for coping with the challenges of living in marginal communities???

KidsCount: Get to Know the Kids in Your Community

I recently came across the 2004 KidsCount State-Level Data site where you can find out particulars about the kids who live in your state.

This is a good resource for youthworkers to be aware of. It includes info on the economic conditions of families, child health, education, demographics etc.

Steve

Cynthia Willard-Lewis - On the Rebuilding of New Orleans Post-Katrina

Last night, I was driving home from a class at NYU. I turned on the radio and did a random search. I came across this channel called WBAI. On the station was Cynthia Willard-Lewis, who is on the New Orleans City Council.

I'm not normally all that impressed with what I hear on the radio, but Cynthia's speech captivated me! She was discussing the tragedy of New Orleans, the struggle of those who are from marginal communities, and their need for continued assistance.

On a rhetorical level, her argument was brilliant. On an oratorical level, the delivery was masterful. I just emotionally and intellectually connected with what she was saying.

I couldn't help but think of the "seek justice" part of our 1:17 creed when listening. I continue to hope that we can all do our part to aid in helping those who have been left destitute by this natural disaster.

You can listen by clicking on this link. Fast forward the realplayer to about 1:05 hr. into the presentation to hear her speech.

Bono Speaks at the National Prayer Breakfast

This is an amazing 'sermon' given by Bono at the National Prayer Breakfast in Washington, DC. It sounds like he could easily be a youthworker at Project 1:17!

Crash - Reflections from the Film

This past week, we also watched the Oscar-nominated film Crash during our media studies class (Written & Directed by fellow Canadian Paul Haggis). We have been looking at the representation of race in the media for this past week.

The movie's tagline is: "You think you know who you are. You have no idea." Are we all racists? Do we all have prejudice in ourselves? These are the questions which are explored in the film.
When we crash into one another, we conflict with one another; but out of that crisis can come an opportunity to learn about someone who is different than us.

What are your thoughts on this movie? Is it a fair reflection of reality? What did it say to you about how we relate to one another? Do you think racism is a system which we all participate in? Did you resonate with any of the charactars in the film?

Check out this clip from Oprah with the cast of Crash. Also, explore these reviews.

Finding Teenagers Online: A Step-by-Step Approach to Navigating Their Online World

I got an e-mail from a friends in Southern California asking for information about youth and blogging. I thought this article from Walt Mueller offers some practical tips on how an outsider can get the 'inside scoop' on the My-Space generation.

I just received an Associated Press report from TechMission entitled, Teens Putting Themselves At Risk Online. This further highlights the shift in our conceptual understanding of what is private and public space.

Educational Video Center - A Dynamic Model for Teaching Youth Media

As part of this semester's media studies class at Project 1:17, we are reading a book by Steve Goodman, the founder and director of Educational Video Center. It's called Teaching Youth Media: A Critical Guide to Literacy, Video Production and Social Change.

I had the opportunity to come in contact with EVC while taking a class at New York University on media literacy in school and community work. While I was sitting in the class listening to the theories and methodology of this program, I was amazed at how practical a model this is for youthworkers; and immediately began to think of what we are doing at 117.

I had the opportunity to meet Steve Goodman and many of the employees and volunteers that are a part of this fantastic program. They take teens who are a part of second chance schools and get teach them video production skills. However, what's REALLY incredible about this program is that the video camera (and the process of making a documentary about an issue in their local community) serves as a mirror - a way of helping at-risk youth gain perspective on their lives, their communities, and possible solutions/strategies for positive change.

In the book, he presents the challenges of being an inner-city teen, the limitations of traditional educational strategies, and the presentation of youth in mainstream media. The rest of the book addresses aspects of the actual production process.

For after-school program coordinators, this is an excellent resource - and comes HIGHLY recommended.

Also, check out this interview Goodman had with media literacy scholar, Kathleen Tyner; and this interview with youth media reporter. Here's another one!

Project 117 visits the Museum of Television and Radio in New York City

On Monday night, Project 1:17 had the opportunity to go to the initial screening of TV Land's latest documentary series on African Americans on television called, "That's What I'm Talking About." This was part of their Introduction to Media Studies class.

This took place at the Museum of Television and Radio in New York City.

After watching the first episode, there was a panel discussion with Spike Lee, Wayne Brady and others. Each of the students received a free DVD of the documentary - which many of them got autographed by Wayne Brady!

Here's a place where they can offer their own reflections on the experience.

Steve

Fist Stick Knife Gun - A Personal History of Violence in America" by Geoffrey Canada

Last week, our students at Project 1:17 received a copy of Geoffrey Canada's Fist Stick Knife Gun. This is an incredible book which addresses the challenge of growing up in a violent neighborhood. This memoir is a MUST READ for youthworkers.

Canada is the CEO of the Harlem Children's Zone; and the East Coast regional coordinator for the Black Community Crusade for Children (BCCC), a nationwide effort coordinated by Marian Wright Edelman and the Children's Defense Fund to make saving black children the number-one priority in the black community.

He was the first recipient of the Heinz Award; and the 2004 Harold W. McGraw winner.

Here's an excerpt from the backcover of his amazing book:

"I remember being small, vulnerable, and scared. I remember growing up in the South Bronx." So begins Geoffrey Canada's shattering story of his childhood. It was a world in which the 'sidewalk' boys learned the codes of the block from their elders and were ranked - and to some degree protected - through the rituals of fist, stick, and knife. But then, through an unforseen chain of consequences set in motion in the 1960s by New York Governor Rockefeller's drug laws, the streets changed: The stakes got higher."

If Canada's book is of great interest to you, then also be sure to pick up Elijah Anderson's Code of the Street.

Teachers' Perceptions of Video Games: MMOGs and the Future of Preservice Teacher Education

This is an interesting article on MMOGs from the latest issue of Innovate. Check it out.

Teen Girls and Depression - A Youthworker's Response

In reading the postings on Thirteen, the question of 'how do youthworkers respond to teen girl depression' became an apparent deep question that requires further discussion. Apparently, depression affects at least one in ten girls each year!

As a result, I have created an additional posting to discuss possible solutions to this issue.

Major Janet Ashcraft (MA, Counseling) - a colleague of mine at Project 1:17, and a trained counselor - is going to post suggestions on what to do/steps to take when you see this issue emerging in your after-school program or youth group.

In the meantime, I would recommend reading Mary Pipher's Reviving Ophelia: Saving the selves of adolescent girls.

Thank you, Janet for being willing to comment on this critical topic.

Steve

Update: February 8, 2006
I just received a couple of additional links from Janet. Here they are:

National Institute of Mental Health on Teen Depression

Chirstianity Today Article on Cutting

Reflections on the Movie 'Thirteen'

This past week, we viewed the controversial film, Thirteen as part of our curriculum in media studies. The film portray's a young teenage girl who is struggling with issues of identity, peer pressure, and family conflict. She also explores strategies for dealing with the pain and dysfunction of her everyday life through drug experimentation, cutting herself, changes in her physical self through piercings etc.

The film is loosely based on the life of co-writer Nicki Reed.

Also, the musical anthem of the movie is a song by Katy Rose called, Lemon. Check out the lyrics!

You might be interested to know that
They've clipped my wings again
Tore them apart and then
Left me
No use to fly away to
My yesterday
Of freedom
My eyes died back that day
Seeing the hurt I may have done
Beat my instead of them
Pain is my only zen
Of fun

I'll go where secrets are sold
Where roses unfold
I'll sleep as time goes by

So hurting here is where I belong singing a song
Blood on my hands to stay strong
The flowers in the graveyard are all gone
I don't belong
There is no right to heal the wrong
Soup's on hot feelin' like a do or die
I can't throw up don't think I even want to try

You still can't make me cry
You've pinned this butterfly
Down
My fire's burning out
Kill my flame without
A frown
And starving hurts the soul
When you're hungry for
Some love
So if I close my eyes
I can really fly
Above

I'll go where secrets are sold
Where roses unfold
I'll sleep as time goes by

So hurting here is where I belong dreaming a song
Blood on my hands to stay strong
The flowers in the graveyard are all gone
I don't belong
There is no right to heal the wrong
Soup's on hot feelin' like a do or die
I can't throw up don't think I even want to
Tryyy- tryyyy- tryyyyyy

In the comments section, I invite you to offer your 'take' on this film. What is it really all about? Is this a realistic reflection of the struggle of teen girls? How would you respond if these teens were part of your youth group or after-school program?

Also, check out Walt Mueller's review from the Center for Parent and Youth Understanding.

Harnessing the Potential of New Media Spaces

We live in an age in which sociologists are recognizing a symbiotic relationship between emerging generations and new media. ‘Screenagers;’ ‘Net-Gen;’ ‘Cyberkids;’ ‘Digital Kids;’ ‘Generation @;’ and even ‘the My-Space Generation’ are some of the terms used to describe children and teens today. While I might not be a fan of traditional generational theory, they are on target when they identify that media has played a defining role in the lives of children and adolescents during that past 15-20 years.

A 2006 report from Business Week reports that 87% of American youth use the internet. 65% instant message (IM). 44% go online every day. (Note: Listen to the Podcast developed with this report). The Kaiser Family Foundation’s latest report on Media and Kids identifies that even the ‘digital divide’ - that separates the ‘technological haves’ from the ‘have-nots’ – has been radically reduced. For example, MIT is currently developing a laptop that would cost only $100 to purchase! Teens and kids interact with media at school, at home, at church, at their community centers, in cars, and even while walking down the street! Even when working with kids in community centers, we have seen kids carrying Gameboy SPs and MP3 players!

What are these new media? They can be anything from the free virtual diaries known as blogs/my space/xanga sites; to MUVEs (Multi-User Virtual Environments) and MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Games); to convergence media/technology like PSPs (a handheld game console/internet/music sharing/movie watching/communications device) and IPods (music/movie/photo-sharing/internet device).

What are the implications of this reality for youth work in Salvation Army Corps and Community Centers? I would argue that these new media spaces serve as an excellent virtual meeting space which has the potential to be transformational. For example, blogging encourages a child (like writing) to become a producer of media. Blogging can also be a means by which a person can reflect on everyday life. A MUVE requires collaboration and communication skills to be developed. Inevitably, conflict resolution and critical problem solving skills can be cultivated in such learning environments. We are at the point in history where games are becoming more about virtual social networks than they are about individual game play. Online games can even provide a space where there is the potential for ‘play therapy.’

However, this potential is dependent upon what is done with such spaces – in much the same way as a gymnasium has the potential to transform lives depending upon what curriculum is facilitated within its’ walls. This in turn is largely dependent upon how the youth worker/coach/gymnasium facilitator makes use of this opportunity. The potential of new media spaces can be harnessed through acquiring what is known as media literacy skills; and the cultivation of cognitive and social apprenticeship skills. Part of our training at Project 1:17 seeks to develop these skills and help our youth workers find ways to maximize this potential for the sake of the gospel; and thereby increase the future possibilities available for at-risk children and teens.

Cool Hunting - The Colonization of Contemporary Youth Culture

Three years ago, youth culture specialist Douglas Rushkoff produced a documentary called The Merchants of Cool. In this documentary he explored the feedback loop between youth culture and consumer culture (in particular media conglomerates).

[For those who have not seen this brilliant doc. this can also be viewed online. Also, check out this interesting interview].

Five major themes emerge in the documentary:

• The Clout of Media Giants
• The Symbiotic Relationship Between The Media and Teenagers
• Where Are the Adults?
• What's this Doing to Kids?
• The Coarsening of Culture

Rushkoff wrote about this subject in Coercion where he says, "The techniques of coercion have advanced so far over the past several decades that we no longer live in a world where the best man wins. It's a world where the person who has made us believe he is the best man wins."

When I first viewed this documentary, I found myself most shocked by the thought that no matter what a person does, it seems impossible to resist the lure of the advertizing industries, but is this so? Do we all need to simply concede to whatever the latest and greatest trends are? Or is it possible to resist? Or is there a third alternative... One where there can be a negotiation between producer and consumer - making the consumer in essence a co-producer?

Robert McChesney graphically refers to this as the colonization of today's youth culture - exept the tanks and guns are media. I would tend to agree with McChesney that this seems to be the intention of most of the media industry, it doesn't mean that this automatically means that concession is automatic or enforced. To build on the colonial metaphor, colonization does not mean that everyone hegemonically follows the ideologies imparted by the colonialist. Some do. Some are involved in anarchic resistance. Others are involved in what Paulo Freire calls limited co-operation - a critical, dialogical posture of negotiation - which recognizes that there are both winfalls and pitfalls with any political system. A youth culture that is critically conscious can accept or reject the ideas being propogated by media industries... However, the imperative word remains 'conscious.' Merchants of Cool is a documentary which serves as a loud speaker to awaken the giant - a gauntlet which challenges today's teens to recognize their power and influence.

I would really recommend this documentary to anyone who is seriously interested in exploring the relationship of media and youth culture - particularly as a launchpad into further dialogue and research.

[NOTE: For Project 117 students - but others are invited to participate]
1. Read Malcolm Gladwell's article.
2. Explore the Frontline sight in further detail.
3. Take one of the major themes from Merchants of Cool and post your reflections/insights/additional links.
4. Finally, is it possible to escape this type of cool-hunting by consuming "Christian alternatives?" Where does Christian merchandizing fit into this?

I'm Back!

Hi friends,

It has been quite some time since I last wrote in my blog. We have, during the past month, visited my family in Canada for a week. We are also currently in the middle of a two week vacation with Sharon's family from South Africa. During this time, my 'blog hat' has been put on the hanger as I have been busy wearing the hat of son/son-in-law!

We have had quite a bit of excitement in our lives these past couple of weeks. My dad ended up in the hospital dehydrated; and my father-in-law also wound up at the emergency clinic with kidney problems... Both are alright now, but it has been quite an action-packed vacation!

Things are beginning to calm down now as we prepare to transition back into the post-vacation world of reality! No more classic movie binges with Buster Keaton and Cary Grant. It's back to writing syllabi and jumping into studies.

Summar, (my younger daughter) just lost her second tooth - which she was completely thrilled with! Skyela is continuing to grow up before our eyes - reading some great books (I don't know where she gets that from!) It has been great having some concentrated time together as a family. I am blessed with the most awesome family!

Well, I must run for now. I'm off to visit West Point with my father in law!

Steve

Gaming Discussion at Parsons School of Design

Eric Zimmerman and Katie Salen wrote a really interesting book called Rules of Play a couple of years ago. They are now coming out with a new book called The Game Design Reader.

On December 9, 2005 at Parsons School of Design, they will be debuting their book and offering an interesting forum on gaming and design. The event is called Deathmatch in the Sacks.

Anyone interested in the New York area should check it out. This is a free event!

Steve

The Media Moment - Now Online

Yesterday, I did my interview via Skype technology for The Media Moment Podcast.

This was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed chatting to Josh Cowing and Richard Brown. Just to clarify - I mentioned the 'kid' on MTV named Andy Milonakis who started out independently posting videos of himself on the web which eventually evolved into a full fledge television show on MTV... However, I was wrong on two accounts:

1. He is not a 'kid' - He's actually a baby-faced 29 year old!!! If you don't believe me, read the link...

2. He got his first big media exposure on Jimmy Kimmel - not Jay Leno.

So much for being a 'self-proclaimed media anthropologist!'

Steve

40 Developmental Assets of Adolescents

When at the Urban Youth Worker Institute, I got to hear Noel Castellanos present on Developmental Urban Youth Ministry. In this presentation, I was introduced to The Search Institute and their study on developmental assets.

This material is incredible. Based on years of research, they identified key assets which need to be wholistically developed in adolescents.

Check out the assessment tool provided by the Institute.

There are also specific studies on the attitudes and needs of youth workers.

There's even an entire (elaborate!) section on faith communities making use of asset development.

I'm encouraging ANYONE working with youth to explore this material. It's well worth it!

Best,

Steve

Why Kettles are Cool

I'm sure most of you have seen Salvation Army Christmas kettles around your local shopping malls, grocery stores, and community meeting places over the past few weeks.

I'm writing to ask you to consider dropping in a dollar or two.

The S.A. Christmas kettle comes out of a great traditon, and goes toward supporting programs like after-school and community center programs.

So dig deep and don't pass the pot this Christmas season.

Steve

The Best of Times - The Worst of Times: Budget and Tax Reconciliation update and the Prophetic voice of Jim Wallis

While I was at the CCDA Conference a couple of weeks ago, I had the opportunity to hear Jim Wallis, the founder of Sojourners and the writer of the now famous book, God's politics: Why the right gets it wrong and the left doesn't get it.

Last year, I watched him as he shattered John Stewart's perception of evangelical Christians on The Daily Show. When he spoke at CCDA, he blew the crowd away with a powerful call to awaken the giant force we can be as an evangelical movement.

One of the images which remains poignant in my memory is of Wallis with his finger in the air - "These days everyone in Washington are walking with their fingers up in the air - trying to get a feel for the direction of the political wind... As evangelicals, we have been spending our time trying to elect the right person into leadership... Rather, we need to become the wind!" (my paraphrase)

Wallis reminded me that faith without action is dead... as he stated, "Christianity is always personal, but never private."

He talked about the House Budget Bill (please read this!) that was passed on November 18th in Washington. This bill reduces the money which is given to food stamps, medicaid, childcare and welfare.

As a result, Jim Wallis, leaders of CCDA, and several other religious leaders are gathering on December 14 for a call to renewal. This is a situation where we need to become the wind - a voice for the poor - and this is a non-violent, respectful way to do so.

Consider becoming the wind!

Steve

Marc Prensky - Digital Immigrants and Digital Natives

Marc Prensky is an educator/speaker/author who has been a key voice in the development of digital game-based learning. His work has been incredibly influential in articulating the significant distinction between digital natives and immigrants those who have grown-up in the culture of new media (digital natives) vs. those of us who have had to enter into the world of new media (digital immigrants).

It's worth reading his papers at his website, and even checking out his books, Digital game-based learning, and the forthcoming, Don't bother me Mom, I'm learning!

He also presented at the National Education Computing Conference. For those of you that would prefer to hear him, listen to his presentation called, Engage me or enrage me: Educating today's digital native learners.

The Natives are Getting Restless

In July of this past year, the National Education Computing Conference had an incredibly unorthodox presentation by educator/actress Deneen Frasier called, The natives are restless.

Anyone working with kids and technology must listen to this presentation. It provides fantastic insight into the digital native/immigrant divide.

Don't be surprised to be surprised!

Moodle - A New Information Mangement System

This past year I have been studying under Jan Plass (He coordinates NYU's Administration, Leadership and Technology Department). I am in the final week in completing a two-semester course in Cognitive Science and Educational Technology. As part of this class, we discussed the design-effectiveness of information management systems like Blackboard.

I just received an article entitled, Places to go: Moodle by Stephen Downes from the journal Innovate on a new open source IMS called 'Moodle.' This looks like a healthy (and free!) alternative which could really help to accelerate distance learning.

Check it out!

Steve

Sharon Bussey is Blogging!

Just to let you all know, my wife Sharon has decided to have a go at blogging. Check out her first postings. It's lookin' mighty fine!

Steve