What we offer

Programs

CS Unplugged: Computer Science Unplugged is a series of learning activities that reveals a little-known secret: computer science isn't really about computers at all. Unplugged teaches principles of computer science such as binary numbers, algorithms and data compression through games and puzzles that use cards, string, crayons and lots of running around. The great ideas behind computer science are brought into the open when we leave behind the details of particular computer systems. For more information, see csunplugged.org.

Digital Media Arts:students-cameras ITEC of Lansing offers programs in collaboration with digital media faculty and artists from Michigan State University. The five-week courses enable students to design their own media -- a composition of their own ideas, interests and passions. Students make different digital media projects. They will use computer technology, video technology, and music to learn about synthesis, arrangement, composing, and other literacy skills. They will also be introduced to the professions which use these skills and be invited to imagine themselves in these roles, both as part of the project and in their future education and careers.Working in small groups, students create:

  • A documentary on a subject important in their lives or to their community
  • A music video comprised of students’ film and music--an original composition.
  • Still photographs on a subject of their choosing, perhaps combined with music or spoken word.
  • A spoken word composition--whether prose or poetry--on a subject of their own choosing.

Everyday Digital

The mission of Everyday Digital is to empower underemployed and disadvantaged adults to feel confident and capable in today’s increasingly technology-driven world. Everyday Digital will provide the practical technology training participants need to be successful and productive in their daily life, moving them from the paper-and-pencil format to the digital age.

Lego Robotics: Lego RobotLego Robotics is a fun, educational, and creative activity that tests students’ construction, programming, and design skills while teaching basic concepts of engineering and technology. ITEC shows them how robots can be fun stuff while integrating learning. ITEC has found (as have others!) that every child loves playing with Legos, and so every child loves building the robots. And just like that students have a functioning robot. ITEC students participate in small competitions that build on their knowledge of Lego Robotics, and on November 15, ITEC displayed their Lego Robot performance at the MSU First Lego League Challenge. See video of their top scoring run at http://www.iteclansing.org/FLL-Videos/HighRes/.

MATLAB: ITEC offers MATLAB programming courses to teach basic computational concepts using applications in math, engineering, and science. The objectives of MATLAB courses are to:

  • Increase student ability to solve computational problems,
  • Increase student interest and ability in quantitative science,
  • Have students learn basic computer programming, and
  • Reinforce student skills in regular math, science, reasoning, and writing.

Power On:This course helps improve students’ relationships with technology and relieve their dependence on others to solve tech problems. They discover how to use computers and the Internet to learn more independently. Students acquire knowledge that builds problem-solving, research, and troubleshooting skills. Course topics include:

  • gain exposure to Linux, LiveCDs, (re)installing an operating system, troubleshooting tactics, and effective Web searching
  • learn how to connect to experts for answers they may need (and not be afraid to do so)
  • participate in online communities, finding and taking advantage of great online courses and other learning materials for free
  • read and coordinate RSS feeds in a feed aggregator

Professional Development Workshops for Science, Math, and Technology Teachers

ITEC is offers afterschool professional development workshops for science, math and technology teachers. Working with area teachers and MSU faculty, we have developed curricula for integrating Scratch and Gamestar Mechanic into the classroom to reinforce educational objectives in STEM classes, particularly information technology, math, and physics. The workshops serve as a basic introduction to the use of tools in the classroom.

Scratch:  Targeted at middle-school children, Scratch offers a new programming language that makes it easy for students eight and older to create their own interactive stories, animations, games, music, and art -- and share student creations on the web. Scratch is designed to help young people develop 21st century learning skills. As they create Scratch projects, students learn important mathematical and computational ideas, while gaining a deeper understanding of the process of design. For more, see www.scratch.mit.edu.

Science of Game Design: gamestar spriteStudents learn guiding principles of game design in an exciting, creative environment. Gamestar Mechanic also serves as a context for mastery of skills like collaborative learning, meta-reflection, systems-based thinking, planning, and the ethics of fair play. Knowing how to put together a successful game involves system-based thinking, creative problem solving, art and aesthetics, writing and storytelling, interactive design, game logic, and programming skills. The game designer must also be a socio-technical engineer, thinking about how people will interact with the game, and how the game will shape both competitive and collaborative social interaction.

 

 


Please contact us to learn more.