Build-It-Yourself Universe
Group Members
- Huan Liu
- Anh D Nguyen
- An Li
- Yinuo Qian
- TA: Jones Yu
Problem Statement
The next generation of leaders and builders must learn how to use technology to solve complex problems.
- It is difficult for schools to teach technology due to low budgets, test standards, and teacher training.
- Parents and teachers are often not comfortable with some computer games and social web sites that are the main means for kids to be fluent in technology.
- In the old days, kids earned spending money running lemonade stands, delivering newspapers or taking out the trash. There is a need to offer the next generation constructive ways of earning money that is relevant to their world.
- Many educational websites are less attractive to kids than social / gaming websites.
Target Users
- Boys and girls, ages 8-13 ... not only those who want to be future engineers but also those kids who are interested in arts, sports, socializing and gaming.
- Parents who are eager for their kids to learn the skills that will help them be successful.
Proposed Solution
We are developing an online environment that will inspire and guide kids to build and be fluent in technology. The Build-It-Yourself platform will enable kids to:
- Build a portfolio of projects that can be used in school applications;
- Form friendships and share ideas with builders from around the world;
- Collaborate with specialists many of whom are model college students who are on promising tracks:
- Win awards and earn money; (earn points as in Karate belts or Boy Scout badges, become a Build-It-Yourself instructor, recruit members, sell ads)
- Exercise language, logic, file management, graphic design, entrepreneurial and common computer application skills.