Article: Cloud computing: increasing the 'T' pipeline in STEM majors Journal: International Journal of Cloud Computing (IJCC) 2013 Vol.2 No.2/3 pp.123 - 139 Abstract: Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are driving forces in the world's economy. Unfortunately, it is estimated that the USA may have a shortage of as many as three million STEM workers by 2018. One way to mitigate this potential shortage is to introduce STEM programmes in K-12 using cloud computing. Cloud computing, specifically the Virtual Computing Lab (VCL), allows users to have remote access to a wide range of computing environments and applications. This article discusses VCL as it was introduced to high school students during a summer programme. The FUTURES/T.A.G.S. programme was a collaborative effort between faculty members in the Biology and Computer Information Systems programmes. The theme for the FUTURES/T.A.G.S. summer programme was 'Addressing global obesity'. The results of the programme show that through the use of innovative and collaborative STEM programmes strides can be made with students' perceptions of STEM careers while increasing their aptitude. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Cloud computing: increasing the 'T' pipeline in STEM majors

Authors: Alisha D. Malloy; Donna M. Grant; Joshua Bogues-Hill

Addresses: Computer Information Systems, North Carolina Central University, 1801 Fayetteville St., P.O. Box 19716, Durham, NC 27707, USA ' Computer Information Systems, North Carolina Central University, 1801 Fayetteville St., P.O. Box 19716, Durham, NC 27707, USA ' MedImmune, LLC, 1 Medimmune Way, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA

Abstract: Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are driving forces in the world's economy. Unfortunately, it is estimated that the USA may have a shortage of as many as three million STEM workers by 2018. One way to mitigate this potential shortage is to introduce STEM programmes in K-12 using cloud computing. Cloud computing, specifically the Virtual Computing Lab (VCL), allows users to have remote access to a wide range of computing environments and applications. This article discusses VCL as it was introduced to high school students during a summer programme. The FUTURES/T.A.G.S. programme was a collaborative effort between faculty members in the Biology and Computer Information Systems programmes. The theme for the FUTURES/T.A.G.S. summer programme was 'Addressing global obesity'. The results of the programme show that through the use of innovative and collaborative STEM programmes strides can be made with students' perceptions of STEM careers while increasing their aptitude.

Keywords: cloud computing; global societal issues; high school summer programme; interdisciplinary programme; K-12; project-based learning; PBL; science education; technology education; engineering education; mathematics education; STEM education; STEM careers; Virtual Computing Lab; VCL; computing education; USA; United States; global obesity.

DOI: 10.1504/IJCC.2013.055263

International Journal of Cloud Computing, 2013 Vol.2 No.2/3, pp.123 - 139

Published online: 28 Feb 2014 *

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Title: Cloud computing: increasing the 'T' pipeline in STEM majors

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