BURLINGTON - The Division of Information Technology & Sciences at Champlain College is planning to offer a computer course entitled "Alice Programming" which will run for six to eight weeks (Feb. 2 - March 30) on Mondays from 3:30 to 5:15 p.m.  "Alice" is a free software program that enables students to create their own animated stories on the computer

  "The College invites middle school teachers/administrators to nominate up to four students from their schools for this program," said Ali Rafieymehr, dean of the Information Technology and Sciences Division.  Champlain will accept two to four students from each school. There will be no tuition charged for this course. Champlain College will not award college credit for the course, nor will students receive a grade or certificate for taking this course.

"We sincerely hope that middle schools will take advantage of this opportunity and participate in this program," Rafieymehr said.

Schools that are interested should respond by email to rafieymehr@champlain.edu by Friday, Jan. 23. Students should not contact Champlain College directly.  A place will be held for each school as soon as a commitment via email arrives. The class will be limited to 20 students, although the College will maintain a waiting list in case it can accommodate more schools.

Schools are encouraged to nominate students who are eager to learn more about computers, Rafieymehr noted. "One of the goals of this course is to spark interest in computer technology among middle school students, in particular among female students. Therefore, schools should nominate an equal number of boys and girls," he said.

Champlain College's Division of Information Technology & Sciences offers a wide range of areas of study and majors including, Computer and Digital Forensics, Computer Information Technology, Computer Networking and Information Security, Game Programming, Software Engineering, Radiography and Web Development and Design.

Champlain College, ranked 12th in the top tier of Best Baccalaureate Colleges in the North by 2009 America's Best Colleges, is a recognized leader in educating students to become skilled practitioners, effective professionals and global citizens. It offers undergraduate, continuing professional studies, and masters programs in technology and information systems.

For more information about the program, please contact Rafieymehr at rafieymehr@champlain.edu.