New Voices and New Visions for
Engaging Native Americans in
Computer Science
Art and Computation
BPC: Art and Computation – Summer 2007
BPC Workshop
Glenn Bresnahan
glenn@bu.edu
BPC: Art and Computation – Summer 2007
Project Background

NSF Broadening Participation in
Computing (BPC)
– Increase participation of underrepresented
groups in Computer Science

Increase number Native American
students pursuing CS and CS-related
studies and careers
 Create a new curriculum that integrates
art, culture and technology to create a
compelling educational experience
BPC: Art and Computation – Summer 2007
3
Project Background


Demonstration project – 2.5 years
Partners
–
–
–
–
–
–


Boston University, Scientific Computing & Visualization
University of New Mexico, Native American Studies
University of New Mexico, Computer Science & HPC
University of New Mexico, NAPCOE
Jemez Pueblo, Walatowa Charter High School
Jemez Pueblo, Jemez Department of Education
Integrate culturally relevant materials with CS
concepts
Develop a new two semester course
– Year 1 – UNM freshmen & sophomores
– Year 2 – Jemez high school students
BPC: Art and Computation – Summer 2007
4
Project Concepts





Cyber-classroom connecting BU, UNM
and Jemez Pueblo over Access Grid
3D Stereoscopic Display Wall
Capstone project to create a VR
environment
Artistic direction by Native American
artists
Application of powerful CS concepts
BPC: Art and Computation – Summer 2007
5
Program Elements










Use existing AG facilities at BU, UNM and Jemez
Installation of DAFFIE/DVD Wall systems at UNM
& Jemez
Summer workshops at UNM and Jemez
Scholarships for UNM students in year 1
Teaching assistanceships for Jemez course for
year 1 UNM graduates
Scholarships/support for Jemez course
REU programs at BU & UNM
Guest artists stipends in both years
Evaluation
Dissemination via Web and workshop
BPC: Art and Computation – Summer 2007
6