Modern Blanket Toss: Findings and Observations

CHALLENGES AND LESSONS LEARNED
Community Projects
The MBT project revealed many challenges in the way that we help
students utilize technology to address issues within their
communities.
The coordinators who work with the students need training in the
areas of the growth mindset, project management, and how to be
part of a support network.
Most communities in MBT were not successful in achieving their
project goals in part due to an absence of an engaged community
member.
During the 2016 summer session, we worked with stakeholders in
the Fairbanks community to find issues and or projects that are
achievable by the students using their UAV and GIS skills. We
found positive results working with Bernie Karl, owner of the Chena
Hot Springs Resort. Once the project was first vetted by MBT staff
to assure that the task was reasonable, Mr. Karl had the opportunity
to meet with the students. He expressed that he was in need of
data to support a significant business decision. From that first
opening conversation, the students connected with Mr. Karl and
were excited to make something happen.
With this motivation, it was like dealing with an entirely different
group of learners. It was easy to guide them into asking the
questions and setting up the resources. At that point, it was easy
for us to ensure their success.
We noticed this in the communities as well. Those students that had
a person from their community who revealed a need for the data
were able to move much further on their projects than those that
were internally managing themselves.
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