The Clubhouse is filled with creative tools, creative people, and the time to explore. Beyond "learning-by-doing," it's "learning-by-designing." When young people first visit the Clubhouse, they are able to choose among introductory exploration activities, including designing their own dream house, mixing their own digitized music, experimenting with image processing and building a robot. As they continue their involvement in the Clubhouse program, participants begin to develop more in-depth projects, either individually or as part of a project group. Over time groups of projects become portfolios which can support college and career ambitions.

There are some elements of supporting a Clubhouse that can be helpful in implementing the principle of "learning by designing". Being a Role Model

• The Influence of Adults - The curiosity, questioning, exploring, designing and creating demonstrated by staff and Mentors help set the creative tone of the Clubhouse. Seeing adults learn and figure things out sends the right message to Clubhouse participants. Look and be ready for the unexpected. Those a-ha! moments become opportunities, since they can serve as the beginning of a positive relationship to learning. Help Members gain a sense of control over and responsibility for the learning process. Help recognize personal achievement in learning. One of the best ways to be a role model is to share your own engagement in working with tools, people, and ideas.
• Demonstrate Problem Solving Skills - Don't solve all the problems for a Member. Answer the question that is being asked, but encourage Members to take responsibility for figuring out problems. Help increase their awareness of multiple strategies and solutions. Use questions as a context for reflection and discussion. Time spent figuring it out together is more effective than "teaching" the tools. staff and Mentors must also have the courage to say "I don't know how to do it, but let's see if we can figure it out together." Sometimes a problem takes many attempts to solve, and can take many weeks. Help Members understand that design is an ongoing process.
• Age and Experience - Age can affect a young person's attention span for projects and activities. Younger Members may have less attention for sustained projects, while older Members may work on projects that span several weeks or months. Clubhouse Members start with very different levels of experience. However, at the Clubhouse you will find that technological experience does not always follow age. There may be a 10-year-old Member who is an expert programmer, and a 17-year-old who has never used a mouse. Try not to assume. Try to accommodate to the individual before you.
• Making Mistakes - Rather than being wrong or bad, mistakes actually are essential to the learning process, and part of the fun. Some of the most amazing discoveries and effects are the result of mistakes, which can be viewed as explorations. Make it safe to make mistakes and then try again. Praise taking risks, even the ones that don't work. "Failures" are part of the process, and lead the way to finding success.
• Recognizing Concepts - Point out concepts that cross many areas of design. For example, "Cut, Copy and Paste" work well in text, music, photography, video, 3D worlds and many more areas.
• Talk Technical - Don't "dumb down" to Clubhouse Members. Use terms that would be used in business situations. Bring in the latest device, article, or coolest new products. Talk about the hardware, how much RAM, etc. Use technical terms. Form a Tech Team that becomes familiar with the technology and the language.
• Be Direct - Snap a photo, instead of explaining how the camera works. Most kids will say "Can I take a picture?" The answer "Yes" is an empowering experience. Hand the camera over. Show just enough to take the picture. Then as questions arise, show just the tool or feature that is required.
Using the Design Tools
• Design Tools - The Clubhouse is filled with tools to create and design. Popular types of design activities include:
  • Graphics and Art
  • Animation and Interactivity
  • Digital Photography and Image Editing
  • Writing and Publishing
  • Music and Sound Production
  • Video and Special Effects
  • Internet Publishing
  • Robotics with LEGO, Mindstorms and Crickets
  • 3D Worlds, Prototype and Architecture
  • New Tools from MIT like Scratch
• Professional Tools - Software chosen for the Computer Clubhouse is generally tool-based and professional level. Ideally Clubhouse software has "a low threshold and a high ceiling" allowing an easy start but an infinite number of possibilities and support of increasingly sophisticated projects. Each level of experience builds toward greater overall mastery, confidence and technical fluency.
• Starter Tools (e.g., KidPix, the Intel Microscope, Digital Cameras) preview the possibilities. They are user friendly, if not fail-proof, offer a fun and successful experience and provide generous help and support.
• Middle Level Tools (e.g., Photoshop, LEGO, Acid) contain many powerful features that lead to the "hard fun" that keeps Clubhouse Members interested.
• Advanced Tools (e.g., Premiere, 3D Studio Max, Sonar) ensure that there is always more to learn, stretch with and be challenged by.
• Language Issues - When possible, tools should be in the language of the country. The next best option is using English. Clubhouse Members are astoundingly fast at figuring out how to make things work, even in a foreign language like English.
• Real Tools for Real Projects - Real-world software launches Clubhouse Members on a path of developing skills that go way beyond basic tasks. These are the kinds of skills that support career and college ambitions.

• Compelling Materials - Make available, and visible, physical and craft materials such as clay, LEGO bricks, pipe cleaners, magazines with photos and action figures. Choose items that draw attention. Physical projects made of these kinds of materials often become the basis for a technology project.
• Construction/Deconstruction Areas - Having an area for construction/deconstruction encourages people to build their own robots, computer-controlled machines, 3D models, environments and so on. Simple tools for this area might include scissors, pliers, screwdrivers, saws, hole punch, paper cutter (with supervision), rulers, balsa wood, found objects, frames, mat boards, out-of-service computer equipment (do not use a computer monitor), metallic paper, ribbons, feathers, craft foam, wire, as well as traditional craft and art supplies. Items used to doodle, tinker, take-apart, study, and experience often lead in surprising ways to projects involving technology.
• Work Areas that Work - Consider how an artist's studio, a workbench, a TV studio, and other creative places are arranged—for example, open work surfaces, easy access to tools and materials. Get a system to store LEGO pieces and art supplies. Keep these areas organized so that people can find the items they need easily.
• Reference Library - Be sure to fill the Clubhouse with materials that help people find the tools they need to accomplish their projects. Some materials to have available and displayed are user manuals from the software boxes, how-to guides, tutorials, idea and inspiration books, videos that show artists and designers at work, image books, and models of completed projects.

Developing Projects

• Projects Over Time - Projects evolve and grow over time. A project could be picking and saving your favorite colors, out of the millions of colors that are possible on a computer. This is an example of a small project in preparation for future projects. As Clubhouse Members explore, they may start and return to projects many times. Sometimes the original project expands or becomes part of a new project. Then, some projects just don't grow. Let them go. Projects that have personal meaning will be finished. Consider the unfinished ones as necessary explorations to gain the skills needed to express ideas.
• Orientation - For some Members, this may be their first experience designing a project based on their own idea. Help newer Members find an idea and work on short projects that can be finished in one session. Many people like to leave the Clubhouse with something that they finished and printed--and that reminds them to come back to the Clubhouse
• Engaging Projects - The key to an engaging project is to find a theme, a subject, a software title, a camera, or an idea that is of interest to that particular person. Supply the tools and start the Member into immediate action. Give support as needed.
• Learning about the Process of Design and Invention - As Clubhouse Members design their projects, they learn valuable technical skills and also learn about the process of design and invention. These skills include how to conceptualize a project, how to choose among the tools that are available, how to ask for help, how to persist and find alternatives when things go wrong, how to get beyond stuck-places and boredom, and how to view a project through the eyes of others.
• Make the Process Visible - Display photos or videos that show Members in the act of creating projects. Display works-in-progress as well as finished works.
• Consult the Clubhouse Village - View hundreds of projects created by Clubhouse Members. Find instructions, and tutorials and many other project supports. Use "Things to Try" to start many kinds of projects.
• Showcasing - Providing an audience for the work of Clubhouse Members is an important factor in sustaining projects. Set aside occasions for Members to show and talk about their work to each other. To develop a larger audience, involve Members in planning an art exhibit, animation festival, open house, or other celebration where they can invite friends, family, and other community members to view and learn about their work. See Clubhouse: Tools for Conversations & Portfolio Development, EDC/Center for Children and Technology, 2003. Exposing Youth to New Ideas
• Workshops and Demonstrations - Workshops can focus on a type of project such as making a game, CD cover, animation, robotics, or family album; a type of software such as Photoshop or Flash; or a subject or skill such as photography or music. Guest speakers can show projects they have created and talk about how they did it. Look for people who bring interesting new ideas.
• Field Trips - Meeting creative professionals can broaden perspectives about what is possible. Exposure to people using tools that Clubhouse

Members have learned in the Clubhouse will give Members positive ideas about their own career.

Clubhouse Members and Mentors "vote with their feet" to be at the Clubhouse. Participation in the Clubhouse comes out of authentic interest, or at least interest enough to find out more. Interests provide energy for learning or motivation. Interests are the raw material of most of the activities in the Clubhouse. And the tools of the Clubhouse are there to express almost any interest.

Recognizing Interests and Motivation

• Watch and Listen for Clues - An important role of the Clubhouse Coordinator is that of observer, watching Members and Mentors, figuring out what they need to take the next step, and supplying that support. What catches their eye? Notice what projects give them ideas. Notice if they are excited by music, graphics, robotics, game making, or the Internet, as you introduce new things. What do people point to on the wall? Listen for the phrases "Can I do it? Can I make my own? How do you do this? I have an idea!
• Ask Questions - Some Members will talk directly about their interests. Others may not—so you need to look for other ways to help them identify possible ideas for projects. Try asking, "What are you interested in?" "What do you like to do outside of school?" Where will you be in 10 years?
• Self-Interest - As a place to start, every visitor to the Clubhouse is interested in him or herself. Take a picture and begin to play with the tools. Suggest creating a collage about the important things in their life. This could be in the form of pictures, objects, sounds, video, slide shows, etc. Themes begin to emerge that suggest next steps.
• Encourage Experimentation - Try it and see... It's often through experimentation that young people discover their own interests. Give Members time to "mess around" with software and materials to explore what is possible.
• Outside the Mainstream - Some Members may be interested in something outside the mainstream. Create an environment where Members feel comfortable pursuing interests that aren't popular with others, or don't at first seem technology-related.
  See: http://llk.media.mit.edu/projects/clubhouse/research/handouts/motivation-v2.pdf

Extending Interests and Projects Over Time

• Switching Media - At the Clubhouse there are tremendous opportunities to translate projects into other media, to extend scope and authentic interest. Once designed, a picture can lead to an animation. A poem can become a song. Sound effects or music can provide accompaniment for an animation or movie. A LEGO creation can be videotaped, and a narration added to tell about the design process. The possibilities are endless. Someone who is only interested in the music studio, for example, can be encouraged to burn a CD of their original music. Then a label for the CD will be needed, plus artwork for the cover, liner notes, lyrics and credits. Perhaps they will want a poster or website to promote their CD. So far, this example involves exposure and skill development in the areas of professional music tools, music composition, sound editing, CD production, graphic design, image editing, web design, writing and word processing.
• Patience - Patience is required, especially when showing someone how to do something that you may know very well. Allow youth to follow their own interests and learn from their experiences. Sometimes a problem takes many attempts to solve, and can take many weeks. Help Members understand that design is a process. Help increase the awareness of multiple strategies and solutions.
• Process - You often hear it said in the Clubhouse, "it's the process, not the product". By that, we mean there is great value in the active learning process. The product is a bonus, produced when a project has meaning to the Clubhouse Member. But exploration over time builds until the outcome is a project that reflects the authentic interests of the Clubhouse Member.
• Reflection - When designing things, we too often stop after the first two steps of the design process: coming up with ideas ("imagine") and making them come to life ("realize"). But without critiquing and reflecting on the things we've created, we miss out on many important opportunities to improve our creations, learn new things, and share our ideas with others. Use questions as a context for reflection and discussion. For more about relection see http://llk.media.mit.edu/projects/clubhouse/research/handouts/reflection-v6.pdf and Clubhouse: Tools for Conversations & Portfolio Development, EDC/Center for Children and Technology, 2003.
• Encourage Sharing Interests - Encourage Members who are already engaged in projects to share their work, and become a resource to others. When you notice an interesting project, you can call out to others, "Hey, have you seen this?" which may get them interested in starting a related project.
• The Interests of Staff and Mentors - Figure out what interests you, and what you can share with a Member. Bring in examples of things you've made. Model the process of creating projects based on your own interests. Experiment with the Clubhouse resources, work on your own project, and then share your ideas and excitement with Members. Allow Members to see you working with people, tools, and ideas. Fostering a Community of Interests
• Group Connections - Help introduce and support connections between Members who share a common interest such as comics, video games, animals, sports, dance, music, poetry, movies, 3D animation.... Sometimes an idea from one Member or Mentor can build into a larger group project such as a video or a radio show.
• Creative Collaborations - Who might make a creative team? Suggest possible collaborations between Members with complementary interests. For example, someone who likes recording songs might collaborate with someone who makes videos or animations.
• Families - Some Clubhouses schedule time for parents to use the Clubhouse. This not only supports community, but also improves the ability of the family to communicate about technology and creativity. Exposing Members to New interests
• Demonstrations - Demonstrations boost creative motivation in the Clubhouse. Some demos are as simple as showing a tutorial for a new software product, putting an interesting item on the green table, or showing a magazine article of interest. Others may need to be scheduled in advance with a flyer or other publicity. In an ideal world, there would be something interesting being shown every day. Commercial vendors, graduate school students, Mentors, Members and other individuals enjoy showing their product or project. Since so much of technical know-how comes from exposure, these people can bring new and interesting ideas to the Clubhouse community. One caution: when you invite an outside speaker, it is important to orient guest presenters ahead of time. Many presenters expect to have a seated audience in a quiet room, and find the Clubhouse environment confusing. It helps to get their impressions following the demo and answer any questions.
• Tutorials - Tutorials are a great way to learn what is possible with various tools. Because most people tend not to read the manuals or try the tutorials on their own, it may be necessary for the Coordinator or Mentors to model using these. When someone expresses interest, help them get started.
• Competitions and Contests - Setting a challenge or entering into an organized competition can stir the creative juices. In general, the Clubhouse atmosphere attempts to support everyone's projects as important, so it can be demotivating for someone to win the "best" prize. Sometimes there can be prize categories to match all the entries, such as funniest, biggest, newest idea, etc.

Clubhouses are designed to foster the growth of a learning community. Members, Mentors and staff of different ages and cultures share ideas and work together on projects as colleagues. A culturally diverse team of Coordinators and Mentors act as coaches, catalysts and consultants. Across the Clubhouse Network there are opportunities for many kinds of people to meet and understand each other better. Relationships

• The People - The Clubhouse is as much about the relationships that form among the people as it is about the opportunity to use professional tools to express interests. In the Clubhouse at its best, everyone teaches everyone, and everyone learns from everyone. Exposure to adults and other youth in a community of learners, all of whom enjoy exploring, experimenting, designing and expressing themselves with technology, has a powerful influence.
• Friendships and Professional Relationships - Mentors and staff are often called on for recommendation letters for college and career opportunities. Clubhouse Alumni are encouraged to keep in touch, and we like to say, "Once a Member, Always a Member". Over time, Member interactions and collaborations with this diverse learning community leads them to gain new perspectives for thinking about the world around them and also new ways of understanding themselves.
• Conflict Resolution - Whenever possible, allow your Clubhouse Members to resolve conflicts on their own. But occasionally it is necessary to help resolve conflicts to keep the Clubhouse environment comfortable and safe. Some steps that can help reduce conflict are:
  • De-escalate and defuse.
  • Listen, restate, reflect.
  • Progress from "It's your problem" to "It's our problem".
  • Collaborate to reach Win-Win-solutions.
  • Identify positions and interests.
  • Present and listen.
  • Brainstorm solutions.
  • Eliminate unacceptable solutions.
  • Choose solutions that meet everyone's needs.
  • Make a plan to take action.
  • Take action.

• The Computer Clubhouse Website - http://www.computerclubhouse.org serves as the central hub to find Clubhouse locations around the world, to learn the history of the Clubhouse Network's development, and to get the latest updates.
• The Computer Clubhouse Village - The Village intranet connects all Clubhouses to the global community of Clubhouses. It helps us to communicate and learn about each other. The Village is set-up to write in multiple languages, and text can be translated throughout the Village.
• 100 Communities Served - This book highlights the rich diversity of the Computer Clubhouse Network by providing a profile of every Clubhouse community. On May 16, 2005, the 100th Computer Clubhouse opened it doors.
• The Computer Clubhouse Calendar - The Computer Clubhouse Calendar is distributed to Clubhouses, community partners, and sponsors around the world, and is a wonderful way to showcase the talent and hard work of Members. Each month of the calendar features an original piece of Clubhouse Member's artwork.
• The Annual Conference - This annual gathering is mandatory for all Clubhouse Coordinators, and is open to other host organization staff and certain Clubhouse Network partners. It is an opportunity to share ideas, learn, and build a stronger community. Opportunities abound for Clubhouse Coordinators to lead sessions and share individual expertise. As these conferences are hosted in communities where Clubhouses are present, there is usually an opportunity to see other Clubhouses in person, and to meet youth from other regions.
• Regional Workshops - One of the most fascinating things about the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network is the opportunity to meet and interact with people from around the world. Each Clubhouse community is different. There are different resources available, different politics, and different cultures. As such, some of the best support and information sharing comes from Clubhouses nearby each other. This helps Clubhouses to know their neighbors and locate Clubhouse Members in the same time zone.
• Regional Calls or Chats - Regions meet regularly by phone or Internet to share ideas, make plans for upcoming events, and discuss successes, issues, and best practices.
• Orientation and Training Week - Orientation and Training Week not only trains staff to operate and manage the Clubhouse, but also starts a process of introduction and bonding with Network staff and other Coordinators that continues through the life of the Clubhouse.
• The Teen Summit - Clubhouse Members and Coordinators from around the world meet together to share their ideas. This strengthens the Network through collaboration. A majority of the participants typically have never traveled before. All of the participants learn new skills, meet new friends and make lasting memories. Local Clubhouse Strategies Local events and resources can help inspirt youth to pursue new projects and help rally everyone aroung the Clubhouse community.
• Grand Openings and Clubhouse Anniversary Parties - These events bring together the Clubhouse community with families, friends, Alumni, collaborators, and funders.
• Using the Green Table - The Green Table symbolically acts as the "Village Green" in that it is a place for people to gather and share. A "Green Table Talk" invites everyone to join in for a discussion about a predetermined topic.
• Newsletters - Newsletters from the Network and individual Clubhouses keep us in touch with the many events and cultures of the Clubhouse community.
• Internships, Scholarships and Awards - Internships, scholarships, and awards honor and support Clubhouse Members and Alumni and career. These honors deepen the sense of pride in the Clubhouse community. Archives and Portfolios - Keeping Members' folders archived supports the longevity of the Clubhouse community. When Members come back to visit and find out that their work is still available, feelings of belonging, pride and self-value emerge. Over time each Clubhouse Member's personal computer folder becomes a portfolio of best works and documents development. This body of work can be assembled into a presentation portfolio to show to prospective employers or colleges. Burn CDs of important work, one for the Clubhouse archive and one for the Member to take.
• Alumni and Past Mentors - Try to keep connected with Members and Mentors who have moved on. Sharing "Where are they now?" is an inspiration to everyone in the community, and has a positive influence on current Members. Alumni become ambassadors for the Clubhouse in the broader community.
• Design Groups - Members and Mentors join informally, around common interests. Groups tend to be dynamic and flexible, evolving to meet the needs of the project and the interests of the participants. Some larger projects come together best with a sign-up sheet and a plan.
• Clubhouse Collaborations - Two or more Clubhouses collaborate on group activities such as an overnight CyberSummmit, C2C fieldtrips, local Teen Summits or a collaborative workshop series. events and cultures of the Clubhouse community.
• Community Projects - Some Members are especially motivated to create projects to improve life in their community. Grassroots and local initiatives help organize young people to use Clubhouse technology to make a difference in their neighborhoods, expanding out to their communities.
• Outside Groups - Joining with another after-school program or community group provides new creative energy and new friendships. Groups may work together on projects such as designing a mural or creating a documentary.

Clubhouses are designed to foster the growth of a learning community. Members, Mentors and staff of different ages and cultures share ideas and work together on projects as colleagues. A culturally diverse team of Coordinators and Mentors act as coaches, catalysts and consultants. Across the Clubhouse Network there are opportunities for many kinds of people to meet and understand each other better. Relationships

• The People - The Clubhouse is as much about the relationships that form among the people as it is about the opportunity to use professional tools to express interests. In the Clubhouse at its best, everyone teaches everyone, and everyone learns from everyone. Exposure to adults and other youth in a community of learners, all of whom enjoy exploring, experimenting, designing and expressing themselves with technology, has a powerful influence.
• Friendships and Professional Relationships - Mentors and staff are often called on for recommendation letters for college and career opportunities. Clubhouse Alumni are encouraged to keep in touch, and we like to say, "Once a Member, Always a Member". Over time, Member interactions and collaborations with this diverse learning community leads them to gain new perspectives for thinking about the world around them and also new ways of understanding themselves.
• Conflict Resolution - Whenever possible, allow your Clubhouse Members to resolve conflicts on their own. But occasionally it is necessary to help resolve conflicts to keep the Clubhouse environment comfortable and safe. Some steps that can help reduce conflict are:
  • De-escalate and defuse.
  • Listen, restate, reflect.
  • Progress from "It's your problem" to "It's our problem".
  • Collaborate to reach Win-Win-solutions.
  • Identify positions and interests.
  • Present and listen.
  • Brainstorm solutions.
  • Eliminate unacceptable solutions.
  • Choose solutions that meet everyone's needs.
  • Make a plan to take action.
  • Take action.
Clubhouse Network Resources

At the Clubhouse the goal is to create an environment in which Members and Mentors feel safe enough, physically and emotionally, to ask questions, experiment, explore, innovate and take pride in their accomplishments. Everyone is treated with respect and trust – and everyone is expected to treat others in the same way. There is respect for people, ideas, tools, and the act of exploring, learning, and innovating. Clubhouse structure comes in many forms. The selection of software, the arrangement of furniture, the actions of the Clubhouse Coordinator and Mentors, and the Code of Conduct help structure interactions at the Clubhouse, leading to a culture of respect and trust. As much as possible, the structure is invisible to the participants who enjoy a special feeling of freedom.

Structure & Clear Boundaries


• The Code of Conduct - Members and Mentors sign an agreement to abide by the Code of Conduct. Network Clubhouses often modify or restate the Code to fit their own culture and circumstances.
• Setting and Enforcing Policies - Set clear policies for printing and checking out valuable equipment. Use sign-up sheets to keep things clear. Ask Clubhouse Members to leave collateral such as keys, ID cards, or even a shoe, when checking out valuable items.
• Time and Experience - Trust and respect develop over time, and as a result of experience. There is no substitute for positive experience. Apologies count for a lot when something goes wrong. Clubhouse Members pay close attention to how people are treated around them, and model their own behavior on these experiences.
• High Quality Surroundings - The high quality of the Clubhouse space, nice equipment and furnishings all increase the feeling that Members are respected, trusted and valued. Be sure to maintain those high standards over time.
• Balance - The Computer Clubhouse approach strikes a balance between structure and freedom. As Clubhouse youth work on projects, they feel freedom to pursue their own interests, yet feel safe because of the structures that are in place Working with Youth as Colleagues Feeling Safe Enough to take Risks. Everyone in the Clubhouse is treated as a colleague and active learner. The attitude is one of high expectations. When youth internalize that an adult respects their opinions and can be trusted, they rise far above most adults' expectations. They ask a lot of questions. They take chances and are willing to fail and then try again.
• Everyone is a Learner - Everyone learns from everyone, everyone teaches everyone. There is an expectation of sharing knowledge.
• Giving Genuine Feedback- Staff and Mentors do not simply dole out praise to improve the "self esteem" of the youth. Real feedback and real encouragement are given. Real-world questions are asked. Members are pushed to consider new possibilities and new solutions. What could you do next? What other ideas do you have?
• Recognize Different Learning and Communication Styles - Take time to get to know the Members, their interests, and the way in which they feel most comfortable interacting. For some it may be through conversation, others through working on a project or showing you what they are doing.
• Maximizing Choices - Clubhouses provide Members with a great deal of choice so they can find projects and activities that they really care about. Choice conveys respect for the thoughts of the individual. That everything in the Clubhouse is to be used by everyone conveys trust. Members choose when to come, when to leave, what to work on, whom to work with. And, they make the choices about what they want to learn, which is highly empowering.
• Taking Responsibility - Each person has to learn to take responsibility for their interactions with people, ideas, tools, and equipment. This is learned as a result of the role-modeling of staff and Mentors, and the way other Members treat each other.