Training for Mexico

A couple thoughts from mentors Kyle Knoblock and David Zou after training sessions before the big trip to Mexico*:

"The Media Lab training was a lot of fun. The discussions with Andres about Scartch and PicoCrickets was interesting, but I really enjoyed when we had the oportunity to write a program in Scratch and build something with PicoCrickets. I am a computer science student, and for me seeing a method of programming like that was surprusing. It was quite easy to learn and very fun to do. I believe that the Mexican kids will like Scratch and PicoCrickets a lot, and I'm happy that they will have such an oportunity to learn about technology."
- Kyle Knoblock

"I think PicoCrickets and Scratch are a great way for students to use technology and become comfortable using it. The Scratch website and the ability for students, from all over the world who don't necessarily even speak same languages, to share their project with each other is an especially exciting feature of Scratch. The training got me very excited about introducing Scratch and PicoCrickets to the students and I really look forward to seeing the different projects the students will make with them."
- David Zou

* Scratch and PicoCrickets are two examples of technology we are implementing into the new curriculum. Scratch (scratch.mit.edu) allows users to use basic programming tools to convey a message that can be shared on the web. PicoCrickets (picocricket.com) combines a small computer and an assortment of sensors to create different works of art with which you can interact.

Student Applications

We have received your student applications and recommendations! We are currently in the process of reviewing them now. However, due to Thanksgiving break, we have decided to extend the application deadline to December 20th. Please continue sending them in! We are very excited about all the new potential students we will have in the spring.

We are finishing up mentor training and preparing for the upcoming spring session. Curriculum innovation is coming to completion as well. This year, the curriculum will include a concentration in technology. We are also reaching out to other service and leadership groups in hopes of creating a network of support and collaboration of ideals and programs.

Mentor Training

Congratulations to the new exec and directors! LTI recently restructured its exec board:

Shion An ’12 Secretary,
Sandra Chen ’12 Recruitment Chair,
Nicholas Dou ’12 Technology Chair,
Liane Fang ’11 Curriculum Chair,
Janice Jang ’10 Finance,
Taylor Jay ’11 Associate Director,
Amanda Mok ’11 Director,
Chris Ohlmacher ’11 Mentor Trainer,
Elli Pula ’11 Human Resources,
Lauren Rodda ’11 Programming Chair,
Lily Xu ’12 Marketing Chair,
Jia Zhou ’11 Publicity/Relations Director.


November 23rd Mentor Training finished. Chris Ohlmacher finished leading the last training session, so congratulations to all of our new mentors!

LTI is currently trying to get the word out about its curriculum. We will be on the Student Services Leadership Opportunities webpage soon.