Howard County Library

HiTech

Game Released
Escape from Detention image

Howard County Library System (HCLS) is pleased to announce the release of an interactive mobile game created by HiTech students. HiTech students began by learning game design principles from instructors at HCLS and Mindgrub Technologies. Over a six-week period, the students developed game logic, layout, characters, music, and sound effects to create the humorous and challenging Escape from Detention, which centers on a student who was wrongly sent to detention because of a classmate’s antics. Watch this video featuring students creating some of the game's sound effects.

The new game offers a variety of breakout scenarios at escalating levels of complexity. Watch the video, then download the game and try your hand at “springing” the student from captivity while avoiding myriad pitfalls.

Chosen by editors as a top game by Best10Apps.com; check out the latest review about Escape! from Detention.

Escape is available for iPhones, iPads, and Android systems.

Background
HiTech, HCLS' STEM Digital Media Lab for teens, centers on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The systemwide initiative is headquartered at the HCLS Savage Branch. HiTech is Howard County Library System's (HCLS) new digital media lab for teens centering on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

Envisioned as a launching point for the STEM career pipeline, HiTech focuses on producing the next generation of scientists, mathematicians, and engineers needed to fill highl

y skilled jobs in the community and region. The initiative capitalizes on Howard County's advantage as home to a number of major STEM-oriented employers and higher education institutions. HCLS leverages the best technology, teaching tools, and people to deliver top-quality educational experiences via formal and informal hands-on instruction in a teen-centered environment. Industry experts and peer mentors teach teens basic and advanced skills using new technologies, guiding students as they create their own applications and tools. HiTech exposes students to both basic and advanced digital technology and related software.

This popular, cutting-edge initiative teaches students ages 11-18 the critical skill sets needed for 21st century careers. HiTech delivers STEM education to 1,500 students each year. HiTech’s curriculum comprises four modules: Interact (“hanging out”), Improvise (“messing around”), Invent (“geeking out”), and Instruct (Academy).

HiTech Focus Areas

Check the schedule of HiTech's hours and special events.

If you have questions, please contact:
Angela Brade
Phone: 410-313-7797

HiTech Board of Advisors

Angela L. Brade Chief Operating Officer Howard County Library System Industry: Education	Carol Fritts Careers and Technology Education/Library Media Coordinator Howard County Public School System Industry: Education
Valerie J. Gross President & CEO Howard County Library System Industry: Education	Dr. Susan Hoban Associate Director for Academics UMBC Joint Center for Earth Systems Technology Industry: Academia
Dr. Lillian M. Lowery State Superintendent of Schools Maryland State Department of Education Industry: Education	Todd Marks President & CEO Mindgrub Technologies, LLC Industry: Innovative Technology
Bruce Potter Chief Technologist and Co-Founder Ponte Technologies Industry: Cybersecurity	Dr. Davina Pruitt-Mentle Executive Director; Educational Technology Policy, Research and Outreach National CyberWatch Center Industry: Cybersecurity
Dr. Samuel J. Seymour Business Coordinator Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory Industry: Research	Steve Smalley Advisory Engineer Northrop Grumman, Electronic Systems Industry: Engineering
Dr. Richard L. Steiner Vice President, Board of Directors Adventure in Science, Inc. Industry: Education	Dr. Loretta FitzGerald Tokoly Coordinator STEM Learning Community Associate Professor of Mathematics Howard Community College Industry: Academia

HiTech is funded in part through a federal grant from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and IMLS. Sponsors include Friends of Howard County Library, and Frank and Yolanda Bruno.