Student-Led MMACs: Bring Your Computing Passion to Life - College of Information (INFO)

Student-Led MMACs: Bring Your Computing Passion to Life

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Integrating UMD’s Student-Initiated Courses (STICs) with the Maker Movement Approach to Computing (MMACs)

Are you passionate about computing, technology, or digital creativity? Do you have a unique idea for a hands-on, project-based course? Through Student-Initiated Courses (STICs) at UMD, you can design and teach your own MMAC, sharing your knowledge with peers while gaining valuable teaching, leadership, and instructional design experience.

The Maker Movement Approach to Computing (MMACs) at C3 is all about exploring computing through personal interests—whether it’s ethical hacking, AI-generated art, digital storytelling, or the Internet of Things. By integrating STICs into MMACs, we’re giving students the opportunity to shape the future of computing education at UMD.

What Is a STIC?

STICs are student-designed and student-taught courses at UMD, mentored by a faculty sponsor. These short, 1-credit courses allow students to share specialized knowledge, explore niche topics, and develop their own teaching skills in a collaborative, hands-on environment.

As a STIC instructor, you will:

  • Design your own course based on a computing-related passion or skill.
  • Gain mentorship from a faculty sponsor who will guide you through the process.
  • Develop real-world teaching experience—perfect for students interested in education, instructional design, or leadership roles.
  • Help your peers explore computing in new and exciting ways.
How STICs Fit into MMACs

We want students to expand MMACs by developing project-based courses that bring computing into unexpected and creative domains. 

How to Get Started
  • Step 1: Brainstorm Your Course Idea – What aspect of computing excites you? How can it be project-based and hands-on?
  • Step 2: Find a Faculty Mentor – C3 can help connect you with an instructor who shares your interests.
  • Step 3: Develop Your Course Plan – We’ll provide templates and guidance to structure your syllabus and activities.
  • Step 4: Submit Your STIC Proposal – Apply through UMD’s Student-Initiated Courses program.
  • Step 5: Teach & Inspire! – Once approved, you’ll lead your own 1-credit MMAC course under faculty mentorship.

Have an idea for a computing STIC? Let’s make it happen! Contact us to get started: [Insert contact info]

 

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