Improved Online STEM Instruction For Rural Alaskan Native Students

University Of Alaska Southeast Juneau Campus, Juneau AK

Investigators

Abstract

This project will address these issues; under-prepared Native students, poorly designed courses, and a need for water and wastewater technicians. The project proposes to investigate the literature regarding Native American and Native Alaskan learning styles and to design, develop, deliver and evaluate six short, online technical courses for the Environmental Technology Program at UAS - Sitka. Sound teaching strategies, designed and tested through this project, will be adopted for the rest of the UAS - Sitka Environmental Technology Program, and other technical distance program at the university will be encouraged to use them. Strategies will also be appropriate for other STEM courses and programs, and could be valuable for Native American students throughout the country. Skills developed, during study in the security of their home community, will encourage Native students to enroll in STEM programs and should increase retention and graduation rates.