The fi3t project

Abstract

This present chapter first describes the current STEM learning initiatives in the United Stated (U.S.) to address the challenge the nation is facing to develop a future workforce that is creative, innovative, and technology proficient. The chapter next introduces the Fostering Interest in Information Technology (FI3T) project, which emphasizes information technology (IT) integration and collaborative strategies in STEM learning. FI3T created a design community where high school students, high school STEM teachers, undergraduate/graduate student assistants, post-secondary STEM content experts, and partners from industry worked together in order for high school students to learn about, experience, and use IT within the context of STEM and explore related career and educational pathways. Following the project design strategies, the chapter describes project events and activities in detail. FI3T concentrated on all four areas of STEM, creating four project-based design teams to address IT use in science, engineering, technology, and mathematics. The project sponsored two cohort groups, each participating for two consecutive years with several year-round activities for students to gain IT enrichment experiences within the context of STEM, followed by alumni and follow-up activities. The chapter ends by reporting on the FI3T project research findings. Overall findings indicated that STEM learning experiences supported through technology enhanced, inquiry- and design-based collaborative learning strategies have significant impact on urban high school students’ STEM learning and critical thinking skills. Some degree of impact on attitude changes toward STEM and career aspirations in these fields was also in evidence.