An Auburn University employee created a child-safe learning environment that will be used nationally by teachers and educational centers.
Tony Cook, extension specialist of 4-H Science & Technology Literacy, has created Kids Extension News Network.
KXNN, within extension. org, is an open-learning environment
giving kids a virtual experience that is safe and interesting to the targeted audience of students K-12.
"Hundreds of stories are coming from all over the country," Cook said.
If language and culture are considered in the environment of KXNN, this can become an international educational resource for students K-12, Cook said.
"There is a team over in Kenya right now talking about this very thing," Cook said.
KXNN's current slogan is: "For Youth For Life."
"Science is the only page that exists on this environment so far," Cook said.
The four main areas of focus are: nutritional, physical, psychological and spiritual, all of which are science-based.
"(KXNN) is currently in test mode to see if it works," Cook said.
For the current science-based learning environment, safety, security and comfort are key, Cook said.
"One thing that is critical in this is the social, learning environment," Cook said. "The concept is that this learning environment can be carved out by any group or individual using it as their own space."
Jerri Caldwell, Ag Information Technology employee and assistant of Cook, serves in a community of practice that authorizes the content from different individual learning spaces that is waiting to be placed into KXNN.
Cook said nothing goes on KXNN until the
content is ready. "eXtension.org is
made up of a series of 'Communities of Practice,'" Caldwell said. "Each of these communities consists of experts on the subject matter from land grant universities across the U.S. (We are)
a few IT people and several communication specialists."
The subject matter covers many scientific areas.
There are 30 or so communities of practice that currently have information available to the public, Caldwell said.
There is a feature labeled "Ask an Expert" that connects the user to a list of files posted by experts that answers questions in a reliable and specific manner, Caldwell said.
"News released as straight text began to populate (KXNN)," Cook said. "That's not what's going to work with the young audience. We need to find a way to take stories or encourage the people that create those stories to put it in a more kid-friendly way."
Once the user is linked to the preferred subject matter, KXNN displays articles enhanced with visual imagery and adjusted for the audience.
"We get (stories with a)
reading level at a 16, and (we) bring it down to a six or eight," Cook said.
KXNN will support links on particular highlighted technical terms and also short video clips to help engage the youth audience with an interactive environment.
"Our concept is to do KXNN and do video stories," Cook said. "What are kids going to do with straight text? Video allows an interesting touch to boring text."
The video clips are generally three to four minutes long in order to capture the interest of the audience.
Caldwell said eXtension.org accepts video formats from Flash and YouTube to provide simplicity in uploading visual content.
Nan Fairley, associate professor in journalism, said she supports Cook's work.
"The KXNN plan is an innovative project with a great deal of promise," Fairley said. "The project will give youth the communication tools they need to connect their respective communities and tell great stories."
Cook said that the site is not being publicized yet because there is not enough content.
"As (KXNN) grows, we'll approach marketing and promoting in a nation-wide effort," Cook said. "One way right off the bat is through the 4-H world; then beyond that, the teacher organizations. As that grows, a youth division will begin to surface."
Fairly said she commends Cook for the creative energy he has put forth for KXNN.
"His passion for the project is sure to push it forward," Fairley said.
For more information on KXNN, Tony Cook may be reached at 844-2233 or cookja1@auburn.edu.
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
