Project Profile

Surprising Possibilities Imagined and Realized through Information Technology (SPIRIT2)

Description

Surprising Possibilities Imagined and Realized through Information Technology (SPIRIT) encourages women to pursue computer-related careers so as to provide a better gender balance in the Information Technology (IT) workplace. The SPIRIT project provides seventy-five high school teachers with professional development experiences using Alice, a programming tool that enhances STEM instruction while simultaneously demonstrating appealing aspects of IT. The teachers, along with 45 counselors and 225 students, also learn about a wide range of career options in IT. Before leaving the institute, the teachers develop a plan for using Alice-based lessons in their classrooms during the school year. The SPIRIT team serves as a resource to the teachers throughout the school year as they use Alice to support classroom instruction. It is expected that the Alice interventions will increase the interest level of the students, both for STEM subject areas as well as for IT. The summative evaluation plan is designed to determine if this expectation is met.

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PROJECT DETAILS

Award Number
0737679
Project Duration
2008 - 2014
Category
Comprehensive
Organization(s)
Purdue University, Lafayette, IN
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Target Gradespan(s)
High school (9-12)
Geographic Location(s)
Rural
Suburban
Urban
Project Status
Expired
Additional Disciplines
Computer Science - general
Additional Target Participants
Educators
STEM Professionals
Students
Girls
Black or African American
Hispanic or Latino