"ITR/PE: Bridging the Digital Divide with Tangible and Ubiquitous Computing"

Northwestern University, Evanston IL

Investigators

Abstract

The aim of this project is to put new and cutting-edge computational applications in the hands of high school students in after-school club settings in underserved communities. These tools will allow the students to build tangible and ubiquitous computing applications that will find genuine utility in the communities that surround the schools. For the first half of the project, we will be planning with our partner schools and making connections in the adjacent communities. We will also be crafting the initial technology platforms for the students. The final phase of the project will entail high school students working jointly with researchers to build community-centered applications. New insights will be gained on how to develop toolkits for young designers and, for the young designers, how to design and evaluate computational applications. This work will also suggest new ways to engage underserved communities in building and using the nation's information infrastructure.