Intel Corp., in cooperation with the MIT Media Lab and the Boston Museum of Science's award-winning Computer Clubhouse, has launched the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network. The company is contributing $20 million to open 100 centers in the US and overseas over the next five years.
The goal of the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network is to proliferate the highly successful Computer Clubhouse learning model and establish it as a replicable model for technology learning. The Computer Clubhouse was founded in 1993 by the Computer Museum (now part of the Museum of Science in Boston) and the Media Lab. Fifteen Clubhouses exist today.
Clubhouse participants ranging in age from eight to 18 express themselves through projects based on their own interests. They create computer-generated art, music and video; develop scientific simulations; design their own animations; build kinetic sculptures and robots; develop their own web pages; and program their own computer games. Adult mentors serve as role models and support Clubhouse members' self-directed explorations.
"At the Clubhouse, youth are treated like colleagues. We give them genuine feedback and push them to consider new possibilities," said Media Lab Associate Professor Mitchel Resnick, co-founder of the Computer Clubhouse.
The Media Lab will continue to work closely with the Clubhouse to shape the educational vision, provide professional development for Clubhouse staff and share new technologies.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on May 3, 2000.
