Education Technology
Reviving Arcade Culture for STEM Education with DIY Artcades
Hands-on arcade building projects are turning nostalgia into an effective gateway for engaging the next generation in STEM learning
Key takeaways
The DIY Artcade kit lets students build their own arcade cabinets, learning programming, electronics, and business skills in the process.
Intel's Mini Compute Module powers the units, enabling reliable, server-free operation at an accessible price point.
The project incorporates entrepreneurial learning — students can place their arcades in local businesses and generate real revenue.
In this episode of The Edge and Beyond, host Michelle Dawn Mooney dives into the intersection of retro gaming and advanced technology with Brent Bushnell, Executive Producer at Strange Outfit, and Morgan Andersen, Vertical Segment Manager at Intel Corporation. Together, they discuss the DIY Artcade project, a build-it-yourself arcade kit that is inspiring students and hobbyists alike with its unique blend of arcade nostalgia and cutting-edge tech.
Bushnell introduces the DIY Artcade as a project designed to give students a hands-on approach to learning. "Our goal is to make tech education fun and accessible. With open-source tools and an affordable price point, students can build their own arcade cabinets, develop programming and electronics skills, and even start entrepreneurial ventures," he explains. "Imagine a high school student placing their arcade in a local coffee shop and splitting revenue with the owner—it's learning by doing in the best way."
Our goal is to make tech education fun and accessible. With open-source tools and an affordable price point, students can build their own arcade cabinets, develop programming and electronics skills, and even start entrepreneurial ventures.
— Brent Bushnell, Executive Producer at Strange Outfit
The DIY Artcade project is powered by Intel's Mini Compute Module, which provides the necessary processing power for a seamless arcade experience without requiring a separate server. Andersen shares, "Intel's technology allows these DIY units to operate efficiently and reliably, which is essential for making the experience smooth and accessible. We're thrilled to support projects that inspire the next generation of STEM students."
Intel's technology allows these DIY units to operate efficiently and reliably, which is essential for making the experience smooth and accessible.
— Morgan Andersen, Vertical Segment Manager at Intel Corporation
In addition to technical skills, the DIY Artcade kit promotes entrepreneurship by offering students a tangible way to learn about business models through real-world applications. Bushnell adds, "From coding to configuring payment systems, these students gain a full spectrum of skills that prepare them for careers in tech and beyond."
The DIY Artcade is more than just a gaming project; it's a gateway to technology, creativity, and business learning for students. With support from Intel, Strange Outfit is bringing the spirit of the arcade back to life, empowering students to build, innovate, and imagine.
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