WAI and Embry-Riddle Launch Online Course for Girls

In celebration of Women in Aviation International’s expanding Girls in Aviation Day, WAI and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University have launched a new, self-paced Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) tailored to learners ages 8-17. The free course leverages Embry-Riddle expertise and instructional design to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals.

Students explore aviation terminology, identify the majorparts of an airplane, describe the flight characteristics of a helicopter, anddiscuss the goals of space exploration. There are also engaging activities thattake these topics to the next level. Learn how to make a paper helicopter, testyour knowledge in the module quizzes, and discover what kind of scientist youcould be. Youth who complete the course can earn digital badges and apersonalized electronic certificate. The course is offered several timesthroughout the year, enabling young learners around the globe the opportunityto learn about aviation.

“Partnering with Embry-Riddle, a longtime WAI supporter, onthis free online course for youth interested in aviation is another tool toexpand our reach of our annual international Girls in Aviation Day all yearround,” said Allison McKay, WAI CEO. “Future aviation professionals will beinspired, and we are thrilled to use technology to reach girls in every part ofthe world and encourage their dreams of pursuing aviation careers.”

“Embry-Riddle supports WAI and strives to inspire the nextgeneration of women in our dynamic industry,” said Dr. Bettina Mrusek,Assistant Professor with the College of Aeronautics. “We believe in the missionof WAI and look forward to a partnership that helps young ladies go further -faster. Aerospace career paths often start with a spark from an air show, arocket launch, or a role model. We hope this course can be an element thatinspires young ladies to join us on an exciting trajectory towards awesome.”