We begin with a 1-to-1 relationship between children/youth and UC Berkeley
undergraduate tutors/mentors. This relationship and ratio both improve school
and technology learning and promote the development of college-going identities.
By combining traditional literacy activities with popular culture,
D.U.S.T.Y. children/youth build bridges between academically valued types of
literacy and powerful forms of self-expression. At
D.U.S.T.Y. we support participants
through instruction in literacy, spoken word, and multi-media to create
powerful accounts of their communities, lives, and futures.
The centerpiece for our after-school activities is the creation of a multi-media,
computer-based narrative called a “digital story.” To create these movies, youth learn
communication technologies and literacy skills that will advantage them in school
and work worlds. Furthermore, the series of lesson modules that students complete
in developing the skills and knowledge required to make a digital story are designed
in such a way as to integrate traditional reading and writing practice with interesting,
relevant content. The design of lesson materials also makes the rationales and objectives
for each activity clear to students, accommodates the individualized paths
that kids may take, and, we find, instills in
D.U.S.T.Y. participants a new sense
accomplishment with the completion of each lesson.
Each year we show participants’ digital stories to a wider audience of family,
friends, and community members on the big screen of a local theater.
We have found that children and youth respond to the chance to create such stories
with amazing energy, commitment, intelligence, and motivation, and that their
public presentation to a wider audience is a powerful moment of pride
and accomplishment.
