The Computer Clubhouse: Preparing for life in a digital world

Abstract

The gap between the technological "haves" and "have-nots" is widening, leading to dangerous economic and cultural rifts in our society. But access to technology alone is not enough to bridge this gap. This paper describes a new model of a learning community, called the computer clubhouse, that breaks away from the traditional computer lab. at the clubhouse, inner-city youth become designers and creators-not just consumers-of computer-based products. the authors explore the four core principles of the clubhouse educational approach, and discuss how the clubhouse helps prepare today's youth for life and work in tomorrow's world.