Information technology education for K-12 students and teachers: From sensor network to comprehensive and customized web interaction

This paper presents an e-learning system to provide comprehensive and customized information technology (IT) education for K-12 students and teachers across science and mathematics disciplines. Supported by a current three-year NSF ITEST grant, we have designed and developed the system with the goal to provide students with education pathways leading to IT careers. The proposed system includes two IT tracks: sensor network track and field guide track. Different from current IT education systems and activities, our project is specifically tailored for K-12 students and teachers through a series of systematic IT-related activities conducted on a unique local barrier island. Preliminary project activities and user feedback indicate that our project is rather effective to give students the knowledge, encouragement, and self confidence to gain further IT competencies later on in high school and beyond.