NASA is opening its doors to high school and college students Thursday for a free online educational opportunity focusing on the exciting world of information technology research.
The Computing, Information and Communications Technology (CICT) Program Office at NASA’s Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., recognized the need to inspire more students to enter careers in math and science. To fulfill this need, CICT is collaborating with the Wheeling Jesuit University, Wheeling, W.Va., to offer a Web-based course, Future Computing and Communications Technology (FCCT), detailing the cutting-edge information technology research conducted at NASA.
“NASA recognizes the need for the United States to maintain its role as a world leader in technology. In particular, advances in computing and communications technologies are critical to the success of future NASA missions. This online course is one of many activities NASA is conducting to increase the number of students interested in careers in math and science,” said Dr. Eugene Tu, CICT program manager. “The concepts and technologies discussed in the course are the cutting-edge of research, something students will not see in textbooks for years to come,” he said.
The course highlights research and possible career paths at NASA. The goal of the course is to create a better understanding of the scientific and technical work within NASA’s CICT and emphasize to students the continuing need for advanced study in scientific and mathematical fields. NASA researchers and scientists will teach the eight course sessions.
The course will be Web cast on Tuesdays and Thursdays through May 15, 2003. Sessions will cover high-speed networking and communications technologies for Earth and space applications; artificial intelligence and telepresence; breakthroughs in nanotechnology and biotechnology; advanced systems development; and simulation technology.
The course is free to all registrants. Students who would like to earn college credit can register with Wheeling Jesuit University. The final registration day is April 24, 2003. Interested persons may audit or watch the Web cast at no cost.
Established in 2001, the CICT Program is a NASA-wide effort designed to address advanced agency requirements in computing and information and communications technology.
For more information about the course on the Internet, visit:
http://cictedu.arc.nasa.gov/courses/spring2003/index.html