Oklahoma university launches aviateOK app

Oklahoma State University has launched a new app, aviateOK.

The app was designed to educate K-12 students about the aviation industry and encourage students who are interested in aerospace to learn more, according to university officials.

“Introducing young people to aviation and aerospace is an investment in the future of the industry,” said Dr. Timm Bliss, aviation and space program coordinator for graduate studies and professor in the College of Education and Human Sciences. “AviateOK is designed to provide early exposure to STEM engagement and to inspire students of all ages to learn and explore more in the aviation/aerospace field.”

Bliss developed the idea for the app with Dr. Irene Miller, assistant professor for the school of aviation at Southern Illinois University.

The development of apps, like aviateOK, not only benefit the public but also provide valuable learning experiences for students at the university, say officials.

Getting hands-on experience with developing applications is vital to being prepared to enter the workforce, explained Jai Rajendran, manager of the OSU App Center, OSU licensing associate, and manager of technology and business development for Cowboy Innovations.

Students designed the entire app, from user interface to user interaction, while collaborating with others to include the educational material, Rajendran said.

“At the App Center, the students interact with clients mimicking their future workplace,” Rajendran said. “Learning through working on a real-world, high-impact project is tremendously valuable for the students’ early careers.”

The app is free and is available for the iPhone and iPad on the Apple App store.