Nearly 50 students are participating in the first APS Technology Camp held at Boston K-8 this summer. Tech Camp ‘09 is an eight-day program open to fourth through eighth-grade students throughout APS.

At Tech Camp, students learn to utilize a variety of Web-based technologies such as video editing and production tools, Podcasting and Vodcasting resources, and Blogs and Wikis. Students are using these tools to produce technology projects on one of four topics-food, energy, global warming and endangered species. They also use a private social networking Web site called “Ning” to share project information, ideas and opinions with each other. Final projects will range from interactive digital posters to photo stories to videos.

“This camp is a great way to teach kids about technology and how to work together,” said Aurora Hills Middle School student Baohan.

Students are so excited about their learning experience that they are already asking about camp opportunities for next summer.

“I can’t decide what I like best; everything that I have learned is my favorite,” said Vassar Elementary School student Faven.

Tech Camp instructor Kim Duran is hoping to expand the program next year. “Education today relies so much on technology, and we look to these students as the future,” said Duran. “Before we can even finish what we are saying, they are on to the next thing. It’s quite amazing.”