School of Informatics and Computing faculty, staff and students recently collaborated to provide an engaging, hands-on learning experience for freshmen and sophomores from Indianapolis’ Providence Cristo Rey High School on October 2. The event served as an introduction for the high school students to the study of informatics and computing, as well as the school’s undergraduate programs and scholarship opportunities in Media Arts and Science, Informatics and Health Information Administration.
Students were treated to IUPUI’s Advanced Visualization Lab, where professor Dr. Davide Bolchini and doctoral student Debaleena Chattopadhyay presented their research in the field of Human-Computer Interaction. Students were able to interact with the lab’s high resolution display wall, demonstrating motion tracking and gesture recognition, and a tilting touch table display.
Current School of Informatics and Computing students, including many members of the STARS Alliance, were integrally involved in planning an enriching experience for the high school students. Activities included a student-run GameMaker video game workshop and tours of both the IUPUI campus and UITS facilities. All Providence Cristo Rey High School students walked away from the visit with their own video game to play with family and friends. School of Informatics and Computing students involved included Sarah Parker, Eric Padget, Brittany Conway, Mary McClung, Matt Misner and Brittney Parker.
The STARS Alliance (Students and Technology in Academia, Research and Service) is a national organization whose mission is to increase the participation of women, under-represented minorities, and persons with disabilities in computing degree programs and careers. The School of Informatics and Computing has been vital in establishing a STARS presence at IUPUI and developing student leaders in computing and technology.
Located minutes from downtown Indianapolis, Providence Cristo Rey is a private, college-preparatory high school for students from families with limited financial means. The high school combines rigorous classroom instruction with real-life work and study experiences for students. Many Providence Cristo Rey students take dual credit classes at IUPUI and Indiana University Health is one of the high school’s corporate work study partners.
The students, faculty and staff of the School of Informatics and Computing look forward to additional opportunities to work with high schools, teachers and students like those from Providence Cristo Rey. If interested in arranging a visit for yourself, your students or your club, please contact Vicki Daugherty, project coordinator for the IU School of Informatics and Computing at IUPUI, at vdaugher@iu.edu or 317-278-4123.
Media Contact
Joanne Lovrinic
jebehele@iu.edu
317-278-9208