P1.62
IMPLEMENTING AN ON LINE WEATHER COURSE AND PROMOTING INVOLVEMENT BY UNDERREPRESENTED STUDENT POPULATIONS: SHARING EXPERIENCES FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH DAKOTA'S INDIANS INTO GEOSCIENCES (INGEOS) PROGRAM
Lloyd W. Mitchell, Univ. of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND
An On-Line Weather Course developed by the American Meteorological Society was implemented at the University of North Dakota (UND) beginning Autumn Semester 2002 through the Indians Into Geosciences (INGEOS) Program. To date, 62 participants representing a variety of cultural backgrounds and academic levels, including graduate, have experienced the course, which was conducted 100% on line. Two supplemental social oriented activities were included: 1.) a field trip to the National Weather Service Office in Grand Forks, and 2.) Weather Spotter training for which all students were awarded certificates. Since the course implementation, several attempts to partner with tribal colleges in the regional area were also initiated but response was negative. Further review of this response indicated cultural attitudes, distrust by tribal elders and leaders of 'mainstream' science and research methods, and gender-related issues were inhibiting factors. For Autumn Semester 2003, an effort targeting minority students enrolled at UND was initiated. Culturally related course components were added and invitations promoting course enrollment were made directly to minority students. As a result, 60% of the Autumn 2003 class is either American Indian or Hispanic.
Poster Session 1, Poster Session Educational initiatives (Hall 4AB)
Sunday, 11 January 2004, 5:00 PM-7:00 PM, Hall 4AB
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