Work in progress - developing a culture of learning befitting the dynamic world of computing

In recent years, the field of computing has undergone rapid development and the dynamics of the field has posed challenges in attempting to bridge the gap between school activities and the ldquoreal worldrdquo of computing. In attempting to meet this challenge, we developed a program aimed at exposing talented highschool students ldquodirectly by leading expertsrdquo to state-of-the-art computing. The program includes enrichment lectures and software development projects under the supervision of experts. In the last four years, 600 students participated in enrichment activities; of these students, 86 students accomplished high-level software projects. A long-term formative evaluation of the program has been conducted regarding studentspsila attitudes towards the ldquodifferent-from-schoolrdquo style of learning, and their performance in developing projects.