Distance learning group honors CSTEME efforts

The Colorado Distance Learning Association recently awarded the UCCS Center for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education with its Program of the Year.

Dave Khaliqi, director of CSTEME, was cited for creating a program that is a model for outreach from institutions of higher education to elementary, middle, and secondary schools. The program also helps identify pre-engineering and pre-computer science students.

CSTEME was recognized at the group’s annual conference for its program “Tech that Helps – Transforming Kids from Tech Users to Tech Makers Using Arduino Microcontrollers.” The program, a collaborative effort by the Colorado Governor’s Office of Information Technology, CSTEME and SparkFun Electronics, Boulder, brings open-source physical computing across the state.

Using video through the campus CISCO Telepresence system, the program reached students in rural areas such as Silverton, Elbert, Walsenberg, Caliche and Gypsum to teach open-source microprocessor controlled electronics and basic hands-on science, technology, engineering and math education.