Juan Rubio, the Digital Media and Learning Program Manager at the Seattle Public Library (SPL), designs, develops, and manages educational technology programs with digital media, such as games, interactive storytelling, virtual reality experiences, and augmented reality narratives. He is the author of the chapter, Working Together: Youth-Adult Partnerships to Enhance Youth Voice, in YALSA’s new book, Putting Teens First in Library Services: A Roadmap. He is on the board of directors of Filmmakers without Borders. Mr. Rubio is also a short story writer.
KM: Ok, so I really want to talk to you about some of the summer programming you ran at Globalkids that used digital badges. Can you start by describing your previous role at Globalkids?
JR: I was a Director for the Digital Leadership Learning (former OLP). I was responsible for managing programs around the city teaching digital skills such as game design, programming, and interactive storytelling. The programs took place at a different locations and types of institutions such as New York Public Schools in the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. Some of them also took place at other informal spaces such as NYSCI, AMNH, Brooklyn Museum, etc. Part of the responsibilities also included securing funds and collaborations with partners. For example, the iDesign program was a NSF funded project in collaboration with Hofstra University and Public Schools in Long Island, NY. http://dllglobalkids.weebly.com/blog/archives/07-2014
KM: Let’s talk about the summer programs run in 2012. Can you describe the system of badges you used in Virtual Video Project and Race to the White House?
