Visiting the Computer Clubhouse

This afternoon we met with Tara from the Computer Clubhouse in Napier St, Fitzroy.

Stefan was involved in the creation of this clubhouse and this was his first visit in some time.

The purpose of the visit was to learn how they operate these days and the reasons why, to learn from their experience.

Things we learnt included;

- They run from 3pm-6.30pm plus extra late sessions during the week.

- They have around 20 kids in most afternoons.

- When kids come in they sign on and sign off. This allows them to track when kids are in and reassures parents. Kids must be members to come in.

- There is a phone for kids to call their parents on.

- Kids aren't allowed to leave after 5pm without a guardian.

- Much of the help seems to be about helping kids with homework, and there seemed to be a real need for it. At least one kid was waiting for help when we were there, another was working on some school work.

- Mentors help to train mentors.

- Kids help to train kids.

- Mentors cannot contact the children outside of hours due to lack of transparency or any way of recording it. I think we can come up with a technical solution that will allow this.

- Mentors are given an orientation of the space.

- Some of the pcs don't have internet access, Tara mentioned it might be a distraction for what they are trying to achieve. She also mentioned there was more original artwork being produced offline as opposed to derivative.

- Facebook is banned.

- Mathletics is very popular.

- There is a music studio with a keyboard, mic, monitor speakers and mixing desk.

- One young girl showed us some stop motion, she said she was shy but did very well.

- They had an exhibition themed 'respect' - where kids did a range of multimedia art.