Grant helps students get inside computers 

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We use them to manage business, create art, watch movies, listen to music, conduct research, communicate with friends, write papers, read the news, and shop. Many of us spend more hours per week with our computers than we do with our families. Have you ever wondered what’s inside and how they work?

Students in Tracy Corless' Computer Concepts & Applications class did, and now they can tell you, thanks to a $1.9 million National Science Foundation grant* to the Commonwealth Alliance for Information Technology Education (CAITE), of which HCC is a member.

The college used CAITE grant funds to purchase computer components, which Corless’ students used to take apart and rebuild computers. “I really liked building the computer and learning how each component worked,” said Debra McCain, who is working on a certificate in computer information security. It was a great experience…very informational and exciting!”

Not all the students in the class were majoring in computer-related programs. “I’ve had a long career in retail management” said Michelle Ligus ’88, an HCC grad who returned to strengthen her job skills and explore new career options. “But no matter what kind of work you do, computer skills are critical.” Liberal Arts major, Esteban Rios, appreciated the class for a slightly different reason. “If I ever need to take apart my computer, now I know how to do it.”

CAITE funding will also underwrite Artbotics, an innovative Fall 2009 course designed to encourage non-majors to take exploratory courses in information technology.  Artbotics will combine computer science, robotics, and art in a class that enables students to earn four lab science credits while creating interactive, public exhibits.

Curious about CAITE? The organization is dedicated to bringing more women and underrepresented minorities into information technology (IT) and computing education and careers throughout Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.caite.info or www.takeITgoanywhere.org

*Supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. CNS-0634412.

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