First real report

So far I've mainly been meeting with everyone who runs the various programs at the Hyde Square Task Force and assessing their technology/software needs. I've already starting researching stuff we can get to improve the programs (such as educational software for the after school programs). I'm also attempting to create a list of recording studios we can get in touch with to see if they'll point us towards resources to build our own music clubhouse (or practice/jam/recording space). Fun fact: the bassist of Aerosmith is one of the board members for the Music and Youth Initiative, who are providing the basic template for our clubhouse.

That's really all for now... I'm sure things will be getting much busier soon.

Wes you should get in contact with several VISTAs within Boston who have worked/are working on similar projects and programs. They have a lot of knowledge and experience with educational software/youth programming.

Quick list:
- AJ McGuire (did a lot of work developing after school programs with Boston Public)
- Diana Boro (currently in East Boston working with youth radio at Zumix)
- Julie Adler (working on citizen journalism/community media at Cambridge Community Television)
- Julie Bohnlein (who just finished working on a youth media program).

Thanks so much, this is really helpful!

Hey Wesley,
I'm just reading through the VISTA Field Reports myself and wanted to just say welcome aboard!

m

Wesley Kaplan's Recent Field Reports

Report 4: Various projects happening

I'm finally starting to get into the nitty gritty with the different youth teams at HSTF. …read more

Report 3: Starting to feel more comfortable

I'm beginning to feel like more of an actual part of HSTF, rather than just a guy who shows up and works for them (as opposed to with them). I've become more friendly with my coworkers and I'm starting to see how I think I'm going to fit in. …read more

Report 2: things slowly beginning to pick up

I'm still doing a lot of the same stuff I wrote about in my last report: looking up software, meeting with program heads, installing ram, etc. But I'm starting to get a better idea of how crazy things are soon going to be. There's a lot of new software the HSTF has never used before that I think I'll be introducing (such as software for video, music, and digital portfolios). …read more

First real report

So far I've mainly been meeting with everyone who runs the various programs at the Hyde Square Task Force and assessing their technology/software needs. I've already starting researching stuff we can get to improve the programs (such as educational software for the after school programs). …read more