Learning Center Evaluation to Highlight Afterschool Program Benefits

The Digital Learning Lab directed by Mark Warschauer, is currently undertaking the Technology, Out-of-School Learning, and Human Development study of a community learning center in Southern California. The UCI research team (under Principal Investigators Debora Vandell and Mark Warschauer) carried out baseline data collection activities during the period of January 2007 to August 2007 and are currently in the second year of the study. Associate Research Specialists Dr. Pilar O'Cadiz and Dr. Valerie Hall with the support of undergraduate research assistants have carried out observations, surveys and interviews of participants of the after school Career Exploration and Preparation programs for middle school and high school students, with additional observations, surveys and interviews of the Career Orientation Program for elementary school students grades 4th-6th. This program occurs during the school day with the collaboration of local elementary schools.

 

The team has already begun gathering data for the Year 2 impact study. Pre- and post-surveys of After School program participants, a demographic survey and exit survey of the participants' parents, and in-depth case studies of a representative sample of participants, will allow researchers to assess overall program impact and make comparisons of differential impact based on intensity of participation, length of participation, gender, SES, ethnicity, and other factors. The quantitative component of the study is lead by Dr. Hall. In addition, Dr. O'Cadiz coordinates the qualitative component which includes in depth case studies of up to 20 learning center youth members. The 20 case study subjects are representative of the diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds of members and will highlight the many ways that the Center's programming affects the lives of the youth and families it serves. A preliminary paper of this qualitative research, "Immigrant Youth in Transitional Spaces: Culture, Identity, and Affiliation in a Community Learning Center," will be presented by Dr. O'Cadiz at the 2008 AERA meeting.