UCIT partners with CPS in growing ShareIT
ShareIT is a program run through University of Cincinnati Information Technologies (UCIT) in partnership with Cincinnati Public’s Hughes High School and UC’s College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services and Information Technology (CECH).
Since its inception, enrollment in the University of Cincinnati's ShareIT has doubled from 10 students in its first year to 20 hand-selected students now. ShareIT is a program run through UC's Information Technologies division (UCIT) in partnership with the Cincinnati Public School Districts Hughes STEM High School and UCs College of Education Criminal Justice Human Services and Information Technology (CECH).
The idea was brought to life three and a half years ago, providing high school students opportunities to explore IT careers at the university level.
In the ShareIT program, students attend classes on UCs campus for 11 weeks to learn about various IT topics, such as coding, game design and multimedia. As a part of the experience, they build relationships with IT professionals. To make sure they are prepared, students also use laptops they can keep upon successful completion of the program.
"We try to touch on a wide range of IT careers from web development to software engineering to cybersecurity. We also do a session on VR (or virtual reality) and database development. Last year, we did a session on computer manufacturing, building computers things of that sort. Project management is also included–and robotics," Josette Riep, associate director of IT and ShareIT program coordinator, added with a smile
Mentors, most of whom work in UCIT and are experts in their field, lead the classes, volunteering their time beyond typical IT office work. A typical session consists of a lecture and a practical application activity to give students not only technical knowledge but hands-on experience as well.
During the Virtual Reality Design & Development session, students work with virtual-reality equipment. They are then taught the differences between virtual reality, a completely immersive experience, and augmented reality, technology that places 3D objects on a display of the real world using a camera, as if the object was right in front of you. In the practical experience portion, students used computers applications such as Blender, Gimp and Unity to create basic 3D models and design games. Other sessions followed a similar structure.
In addition to the classroom experiences, the students are split into small groups that work collaboratively on a final project throughout the program.
This years' project was to develop a concept for technology that could be used in Wakanda, the fantastic setting of Marvels Black Panther movie. Using what they learned throughout the program, the students created many unique ideas blending creativity and technical knowledge.
Josette Riep, associate director of IT and ShareIT program coordinator, talks to students as Linda Leslie, database team manager, looks on.
For the final presentation all ShareIT student groups gathered in Teachers College to present their group projects. Among the ideas presented were a 3D model of a Black Panther helmet that utilized artificial intelligence and a shirt containing electrical wiring to track health statistics. Another concept proposed a surveillance drone that transmitted 3D models of landscapes into a users glasses.
"The goal of the program was to provide opportunities for students to experience real-life IT," Riep said.
The project gives students the chance to develop teamwork and project development skills as they learn, similar to how IT professionals across the world work together every day.
"The students are full of energy and imagination and a lot of hopes and aspirations. It kind of helps me keep things in perspective," Riep said.
ShareIT supports the Pathways:CPS Strong platform for UC President Neville Pintos Next Lives Here strategic direction. For more information or to collaborate, please contact Josette Riep.
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