Seminar Series | The License to ILL: Open Learning Environment of the ILLEST Lab

Abstract

The Informal Learning Linking Engineering Science and Technology (ILLEST) Lab serves as a beacon for creativity, collaboration, and mentorship for the West Philadelphia community. Our programming efforts are focused on science, technology, engineering, arts/advocacy/access, mathematics (STEAM) competencies, with a direct foundation in arts, advocacy, and access for all minoritized populations. We hope to inspire K-16 minoritized participants in the West Philadelphia Community to explore hands-on activities within a welcoming learning environment and provide them with the connections, resources, and competencies to be successful in their own chosen career paths. We value the cultural insights and prior experiences that students bring into the ILLEST lab. The lab uses a culturally sustaining framework in order to facilitate an open, informal STEAM learning environment that supports and embraces minoritized populations and reinforces students’ knowledge in STEAM found in their everyday life and cultural experiences. We provide our students and the surrounding community with a supportive learning environment focused on STEAM learning and programming. Our workshops and programming are designed to support and advocate culturally sustaining teaching through curricular design, reflection, and participant feedback. The ILLEST Lab intentionally designs STEAM projects and spaces to empower minoritized participants to share stories and express their voices. We challenge participants to expand their understanding of creative and cultural expressions by providing just-in-time access to professional tools to hone their competencies and confidence. Our direct outcome is to support students in the transfer of their acquired knowledge and skills to redesign, regenerate, and rebuild structures of their communities for sustainable growth.

Biography

Christopher G. Wright is an Assistant Professor in the School of Education’s Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Program. He is a NSF CAREER and Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientist & Engineers (PECASE) award recipient. His research interests include engineering & science education, urban education, and elementary teacher education. Wright most recently presented a paper on “Exploring ways to help urban elementary students meet the language and literacy demands of collaborative engineering design” at the Annual International Conference of the National Association for Research in Science Teaching. Kareem Edouard, PhD is an Assistant Professor for Drexel University's School of Education. His research focuses on bridging the digital divide, providing equal and equitable access to internet and computer technology to minority students in underserved communities. Through this access, students can develop the necessary cognitive and social skills to become productive and contributing members of an emerging digitally connected community.

About the EED Seminar Series

Registration is required prior to each seminar. SP21 seminars will take place via remote video conferencing. A link and password to each seminar will be sent once you register. Each seminar will be held live and may be recorded for archival and marketing purposes. If you have questions regarding this seminar series, please contact Dr. David Delaine.