Visualization Basics, UGame-ICompute: An ITEST Year-3 Summary of K-12 Teacher/Student Observations in the Field
Abstract: Visualization Basics: Using Gaming to Improve Computational Thinking (UGame-ICompute) targeted students in grades six to nine to create pathways and career readiness opportunities for these students to enter STEM/ICT fields. This poster outlines the third year (of a NSF ITEST grant) of K-12 student and teacher observations during robotics and gaming situations. This purpose of the poster is to highlight evidence to support STEM work. The executive summary of the U.S. Dept. of Commerce states that “U.S. businesses frequently voice concerns over the supply and availability of STEM workers” and “over the past 10 years, growth in STEM jobs was three times as fast as growth in non-STEM jobs” (Langdon, McKittrick, Beede, Kahn & Doms, 2011, p. 1) STEM occupations are projected to grow by 17.0 percent from 2008-2018, and STEM workers experience higher wages and less joblessness. Preparing U.S. students from diverse backgrounds to fill these jobs is a national priority (NSF, 2010).
Presider: Mehmet Ali Ozer, New Mexico State University