Hanging out, messing around, and geeking out: a three-level participation framework instantiated in YOUmedia's space design¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 4 claims (3 for, 1 mixed) · 2 studies (1 associational, 1 qualitative), q2 · 0 of 2 report an effect size · 4 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The report organizes teen digital media participation along a continuum identified through Mimi Ito et al.'s ethnographic research: "hanging out" is primarily social and friendship driven, "messing around" is where interest takes more concrete form as skills develop, and "geeking out" is the advanced level where teens develop specialized expertise. YOUmedia's 5,500-square-foot physical space was designed as an instantiation of these three forms, with lounging furniture and social gaming for hanging out, production kiosks and a recording studio for messing around, and a serious work space with conference tables and a SMART board for geeking out.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• A physical or online environment must offer distinct zones or affordances matching each participation level so teens can socialize, explore, or master increasingly complex skills.

Constraints¶

• The framework was identified through Ito et al.'s three-year ethnographic project across 23 field sites; the report applies it descriptively rather than testing it.

Target Learners¶

• High school-aged teens

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Digital media literacy
• Interest-driven skill development
• Creative production

Claims¶

• Most teens at any given time chose the hanging out space, though staff reported a substantial number also engaged in geeking out activities [+W]
• Participation at YOUmedia differs substantially across teens, spanning creation, homework, varied media use, and socializing [+W]
• In Year 1, teens left on their own did not automatically connect with structured workshops; adult mentors reaching out socially changed this [+W]
• YOUmedia staff struggled at times to balance teen choice of activities with structured learning activities [~W]

Related Theories¶

Examples¶

• YOUmedia online: a closed social networking site with Remix dollar incentives and feedback systems
• YOUmedia Chicago: a teen digital media learning space at the Harold Washington Library

Key Sources¶

• Kimberly Austin, Stacy B. Ehrlich, Cassidy Puckett, and Judi Singleton. (2011). Reimagining Learning, Literacies, and Libraries: A Snapshot of Year 1. Consortium on Chicago School Research, University of Chicago Urban Education Institute. https://youmediachicago.org