Our team is new to designing playlists, however, our collective skills and experiences have found a “home” in the playlist concept. Our team consists of a technology trainer, adult education instructional designer, teen public librarian and high school educator. We each bring a piece of the puzzle to the design of our playlist. Reviewing other playlists from across the country has been extremely helpful and we are eager to learn from others.
By engaging in the three “My City, My Place” related playlists, teens will use an iPad to take and edit videos and photographs and turn them into a slideshow presentation. Teens will identify and research a point of interest in their community that they want to market in a tourism campaign and learn about careers in the tourism field and identify their career aspirations and strengths. They will gain insight into the field of tourism by receiving feedback from a tourism and hospitality professional. The teens will then develop and deliver a marketing pitch to their peers and tourism professionals.
We have approached the work of developing the playlist with several guiding principles. First, what value do we add to the world of playlists as designers from a public library? What niche in the community or need for teens can we fill? We have identified access to technology, technology instruction, library collections, highly skilled staff and committed partners as important. Second, we want to make sure the playlist does not feel too school-like. We are continually reminding ourselves to make sure the playlist is FUN. Third, we frequently review and revise the playlist to make sure it will have the impact we hope. This is where our clear articulation of competencies has been helpful. Finally, we are leveraging the many partnerships and resources to strengthen the playlist. In effect, we feel like “Playlist Ambassadors” in our community as many are not familiar with the concept.
The true test, we know, however, will be when a cohort of teens user tests the playlists during their spring break. They will essentially serve as co-developers of the playlists. They will try out the playlists while also giving regular feedback. With this agile approach, our team will make adjustments in real time. We are eager to receive the teens’ input and creative feedback, particularly on which unlocked opportunities and badges to be earned are most compelling to the teens.