Using Vertically Integrated Project Teams to Inspire Studnet Interest in Computing Careers

This paper reports on a project, InspireCT, which is focused on undergraduate computing education. The central tenet of the project is that computing education will benefit by engaging students in hands-on, team-based projects much earlier in their education. The excitement of student teams working on capstone design projects is commonly observed. The goal of this effort is to allow much less experienced students comprehend and share in that excitement based on their skill levels. Advanced undergraduates working on capstone design projects are at the center of the project. The capstone experience will be shared with less experienced students by teaming advanced undergraduates with beginning undergraduates. This teaming is designed to benefit both the beginning and advanced students. The paper reports on the InspireCT effort: discussing foundations concepts and principles, presenting project goals and objectives, and describing project activities, and future plans.