After School Computer Labs Project

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About the Program

The After School Computer Labs Project is an afterschool program that Missouri 4-H Youth Development offers in more than 100 public schools, Boys & Girls Clubs, public housing units, youth-based organizations, and community centers. The University of Missouri Extension 's 4-H Youth Development Program provides these participating sites with training, related software, and curriculum materials. The participants, who are of elementary and early middle school ages, collaboratively play computer games to learn about linguistic, artistic, architectural, and technological factors embedded in the games. The participants learn basic computer operating skills; they also work on problem-solving, social skills, and relationship-building. Educators discuss with the participants how what they are learning from the games enhances their understanding of school subjects.

The Goals of This Program:

• To help youth build skills for today and succeed academically through recreational/educational computing models
• To make technology easy for youth to adopt and create
• To create a collaborative learning environment that works to bridge the digital divide and to support youth as they learn

Program Activities:

The participants of the program are allowed a lot of recreational time to play a variety of computer games in order for them to take the lead on their program activities. The educators rely on youth playing the computer games as the first level of learning. As the participants enjoy playing the games and become acquainted with skills required to succeed at the games, they begin to work collaboratively with educators and peers, choosing themes such as history, math, science, social studies, and reading. Their learning is further enhanced by contests or field trips related to the themes of the computer games.

Funding Sources:

• The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE)
• 21st Century Community Learning Centers
• Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS)
• University of Missouri Extension/4-H Youth Development Programs