Approaches to Learning As a collaborative network, UC Links explores various approaches to after-school teaching and learning. These approaches explore effective uses of digital and hands-on resources both in and out of school. Each UC Links site offers activities that reflect both university and community interests, especially those related to local culture, language, and educational concerns.

UC Links connects underserved pre-K-12 youth with undergraduate mentors in ways that actively engage their minds, promote academic preparation, and spark enthusiasm for higher learning. Through cross-site collaboration, university and community people share ideas about effective after-school practices and connect children and youth from different communities in engaging online activities. UC Links sites reflect different models and approaches to teaching and learning. For specific examples, click here.

Activity Frameworks. UC Links sites use a variety of engaging activities to integrate instruction and enrichment. These activities complement and build on what young people learn in school. Activities at UC Links sites support the development of literacy and other language skills, digital technology skills and knowledge, and subject matter learning. At the same time, these activities support important 21^st century skills such as critical thinking, creative problem-solving, communication, collaboration, and cross-cultural relationship building, which also integrate technology skills in (see http://www.eschoolnews.com/e/eSN/051010ResourceCenter.htm). For example, board games and computer games such as Scrabble and Reading Upgrade can be used to support vocabulary development, spelling, and other literacy skills. More complex activities such as digital storytelling and project-based learning activities can foster language arts, math and technology skills and knowledge, as well as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. Such activities may also be aligned with California content standards, visit http://www.cde.ca.gov/be/st/ss/index.asp.

For examples of how specific UC Links activities link to learning and 21^st century skills, as well as suggestions and resources for implementing these activities see:

• Mural Project
• Digital Storytelling