@yish

A Networked, Media-Rich Programming Environment to Enhance Technological Fluency at After-School Centers in Economically-Disadvantaged Communities

, , , , , and . (2003)

Abstract

The MIT Media Laboratory and UCLA propose to develop and study a new networked, mediarich programming environment, designed specifically to enhance the development of technological fluency at after-school centers in economically-disadvantaged communities. This project will build on our research team’s previous experience and success in two areas: the development of innovative programming environments for youth, and development of innovative informal-learning centers for inner-city youth. Our team’s research on “programmable bricks” has been commercialized as LEGO MindStorms, used by millions of youth around the world. Members of our research team co-founded the Computer Clubhouse project, a network of afterschool learning centers for youth from economically-disadvantaged communities. The Clubhouse network has expanded to 75 sites in 14 countries, with 20,000 youth members, and it received the prestigious Peter Drucker Award for Nonprofit Innovation.

Links and resources

Tags