The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Page Example
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • The Edvocate
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Governance
      • Lynch Education Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • Contact Us
    • Books
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Digital & Mobile Technology
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
    • Request a Product Review
  • Apps
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • The Edvocate Podcast

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Governance
      • Lynch Education Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • Contact Us
    • Books
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Digital & Mobile Technology
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
    • Request a Product Review
  • Apps
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • The Edvocate Podcast
  • 6 Reasons Why eLearning Programs May Fail, Plus Tips to Avoid Failure

  • 5 Easy Mistakes to Make When Collecting Feedback for Your Online Course

  • Classroom in a Pocket? Creating a Mobile eLearning Environment

  • 7 Frequently Asked Questions About Gamification

  • The Difference Between Mobile Learning and eLearning

  • Looks Do Matter: How Visuals Shape eLearning

  • 4 Benefits of Adaptive Learning in Corporate Training

  • When Algorithms Determine Student Placement

  • Algorithmic Processes that Help You Interpret Data Like a Pro

  • The Bias You Don’t See Can Hurt Children

Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechHigher Education EdTech
Home›Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech›3 Technologies Bolstering STEM Learning

3 Technologies Bolstering STEM Learning

By Matthew Lynch
March 2, 2017
7
Spread the love

According to the STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Math) Coalition, there are 26 million STEM jobs in the U.S., comprising 20 percent of all jobs. By 2020, there will be 9.2 million STEM jobs in the U.S. Despite the need for these workers, only 45 percent and 30 percent of high school seniors are prepared for college-level math and science courses, respectively.

As the American K-12 system continues to look for ways to increase student interest and aptitude in STEM learning, technology is playing an increasingly pivotal role. Children who come to classrooms today have an inherent aptitude for technology and educators should encourage that skill set with resources that integrate STEM learning. Just a few of the ways to do that include making use of:

Virtual laboratories

Scientific experiments are no longer just reserved for physical labs. Through interactive technology, students can now do experiments remotely through use of virtual laboratories. The virtual labs at New Mexico State University, for example, give high school and college students access to food-based experiments. Students can test for corn mold, milk bacterial contamination and prevent C. Bot growth in salsa from a remote website. There is certainly something to be said of in-person experimentation, but student access is usually limited based on actual class times and resources. A virtual lab means that a student can do an experiment multiple times, and learn from mistakes in real-time and make adjustments. It also means that experiments are not limited to a determined class time and can be done on a student’s schedule. So students with an appetite for experimentation have greater access to it, and the others are not easily discouraged by “one shot” experiments.

In-class mobile devices

A student with a tablet or smartphone in hand has a portal to hundreds of apps that support STEM learning. There are a lot of things that students can do on basic tablets and phones, but there are also products like the einstein Tablet+ from Fourier Education that have a specific focus on STEM initiatives. Instead of going out and searching for STEM-centric lessons, the einstein Tablet+ comes preloaded with experiments and modules that cover physics, biology, human physiology, chemistry, and environmental science. This STEM-specific tablet can be connected to classroom projectors and monitors so that all the students can participate at once, or can be used as an individual tablet for customized learning in grades K-12. Teachers can search mobile apps for highly-reviewed ones, some of which are completely free, to use on the screens in their classrooms.

Television programming

While statistics show that too much television watching among children leads to higher obesity rates, behavior problems and less interest in things like reading, kids ages 8 to 18 are still watching television programs on various screens for 4.5 hours every day. It isn’t all bad news though. The value of children’s programming is increasing though. Programming is no longer created for the purpose of entertainment alone. On PBS alone, STEM-learning programs like Sid the Science Kid, Curious George, Cyberchase, Nature and Nova run the gamut of childhood ages and interests. In some cases, teachers are even able to incorporate some of these learning programs in classrooms and build entire lesson plans around the content.
Math, science and engineering are all intrinsically linked with technology. This gives educators an advantage with the current generation of K-12 students who arrive in Kindergarten classrooms with a technological edge. As learning technology improves, STEM education will continue to be the beneficiary if educators use it resourcefully.

What do you think can be done to improve student interest in STEM pursuits?

 


Spread the love
TagsEdtechedtechchatelearningSTEAMSTEM
Previous Article

How to Keep Students Safe While They ...

Next Article

Virtual Laboratories – All Good?

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • EdTech NewsHigher Education EdTech

    Finding a way to get online connections for children in low-income housing

    October 5, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    10 Habits of Tech-Savvy Schools

    February 5, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Higher Education EdTech

    Diversity at College Level Bolstered by Online Offerings

    June 15, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechHigher Education EdTech

    Why Makerspaces Are Perfect for School and Public Libraries

    January 4, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    7 Educational Technology Concepts Every Teacher Should Know About

    June 26, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Uncategorized

    Trailblazers in EdTech: Jess Gartner

    July 28, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch

7 comments

  1. 3 Technologies Bolstering STEM Learning ~ The E... 18 June, 2014 at 08:11 Reply

    […] by Matthew Lynch"As the American K-12 system continues to look for ways to increase student interest and aptitude in STEM learning, technology is playing an increasingly pivotal role. Children who come to classrooms today have an inherent aptitude for technology and educators should encourage that skill set with resources that integrate STEM learning. Just a few of the ways to do that include making use of:"  […]

  2. 3 Technologies Bolstering STEM Learning ~ The E... 18 June, 2014 at 08:26 Reply

    […] by Matthew Lynch "As the American K-12 system continues to look for ways to increase student interest and aptitude in STEM learning, technology is playing an increasingly pivotal role. Children who come to classrooms today have an inherent aptitude for technology and educators should encourage that skill set with resources that integrate STEM learning. Just a few of the ways to do that include making use of:"  […]

  3. 3 Technologies Bolstering STEM Learning | Engin... 18 June, 2014 at 09:38 Reply

    […] According to the STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Math) Coalition, there are 26 million STEM jobs in the U.S., comprising 20 percent of all jobs. By 2020, there will be 9.2 million STEM jobs …  […]

  4. johanna 30 June, 2014 at 14:05 Reply

    I like the virtual lab concept! Students who aren’t interested in Biology because they don’t like the idea of dissecting frogs will most likely take a different view of virtually dissecting frogs. This should increase the likelihood that those will remain interested in the STEM courses.

  5. 3 Technologies Bolstering STEM Learning | Live ... 20 December, 2015 at 14:55 Reply

    […] According to the STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Math) Coalition, there are 26 million STE  […]

  6. Stephanie Chan 4 March, 2017 at 08:11 Reply

    I am proud to learn about the technologies and the immense support that the learning process is experiencing by their use. Technology is the best thing that has happened to the education landscape.
    Thanks Mathew!

  7. Rick 4 March, 2017 at 16:18 Reply

    Is that a typo in the opening paragraph or are 17 million STEM jobs disappearing over the next 3 years in the US? Or does the STEM Coalition predict 9.2 million NEW jobs by 2020?

Leave a reply Cancel reply

  • EdTech NewsHigher Education EdTech

    Four insights into the future of games and technology for learning

  • Social Media & Education

    10 Ways to Use Facebook in the Classroom

  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    5 Trends That Are Improving K-12 Digital Learning Experiences

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • 6 Reasons Why eLearning Programs May Fail, Plus Tips to Avoid Failure

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 12, 2019
  • 5 Easy Mistakes to Make When Collecting Feedback for Your Online Course

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 11, 2019
  • Classroom in a Pocket? Creating a Mobile eLearning Environment

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 10, 2019
  • 7 Frequently Asked Questions About Gamification

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 9, 2019
  • The Difference Between Mobile Learning and eLearning

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 6, 2019
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • What is the Future of Online Learning in Higher Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    April 2, 2018
  • Australia’s PISA Shock - Quillette
    on
    December 11, 2019

    Finland’s Secret Education Weapon: Phenomenon-Based Learning

    […] form of policy ...
  • Design Thinking Process | Welcome to Kindergarten
    on
    December 11, 2019

    Design Thinking and Innovation in the Early Childhood Classroom

    […] collaboration and critical ...
  • Social Media Archiving in Texas Schools • TechNotes Blog
    on
    December 9, 2019

    How to Use Instagram in the Classroom

    […] that open records ...
  • Literacy App sites – Tech & Literacy
    on
    December 7, 2019

    10 Apps to Teach Children Early Literacy Skills

    […] 10 Apps to ...
  • Eileen Benson
    on
    December 6, 2019

    What the heck is STEM? (And eight other questions you might be too embarrassed to ask.)

    I like how you ...

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    How to Teach Kids to Communicate in This Digital Age

    Spread the loveWhen even the youngest children are spending the equivalent of a full work day looking at screens, it is perhaps no surprise that parents are wondering how to ...
  • EdTech FuturesEdTech Policy & Reform

    3 Reasons Why India Will Be A Leader in the EdTech Industry in the 21st ...

    Spread the loveAccording to a joint report by KPMG and Google, the online education industry is expected to grow at a healthy rate of 8 times to become a $1.96B ...
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    How Does Technology Immersion Shape the Brain?

    Spread the loveDo you wonder what all of the screen time we have is really doing to our brains? As edtech continues to rise in prominence throughout the world, this ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Your Month to Month Guide for Understanding the School Market

    Spread the loveBusinesses may use a fiscal year, but education revolves around a unique academic calendar. The school year differs significantly from any other industry’s calendar. Not surprisingly, the academic ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Why Learning Analytics Are Critical to Edtech Adoption

    Spread the loveIf you’re not already using learning analytics to assess your edtech product efficacy, now’s the time to get started. Learning analytics are more than simple data. They are ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Where the Money is in Edtech Investing

    Spread the loveThere’s money in edtech, especially if you have a startup. In 2018, edtech investments raised $1.45 billion for technology startups in the United States alone. That was $250 ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    How to Make Your Education Company Recession Proof

    Spread the lovePredicting when the next recession will begin is a lot like predicting the weather. Let’s say that the weather forecaster predicts rain. There’s little doubt that it will ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Lessons about Entrepreneurial Risk in Edtech

    Spread the loveSome edtech entrepreneurs thrive in a fast-paced environment fueled by caffeine and outrageous ideas. Others are more methodical in approaching productions and marketing. The chosen approach comes down ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...
  • Digital Equity

    How OER Can Help Overcome the Higher Education Equity Barrier

    Spread the loveThe cornerstone of the American dream is the ability to succeed in life regardless of one’s family of origin. And, for most people, that requires a college education. ...

EdTech Futures

  • EdTech Futures

    9 Examples of the Internet of Things in Education

    Spread the loveThe Internet of Things (IoT) has changed everything in almost every sector of industry and community, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the educational sector. From ...
  • EdTech Futures

    7 Ways Holographic Technology Will Make Learning More Fun

    Spread the loveAdvancements in technology brought teachers the interactive whiteboard, 3D printers, and interactive desks and walls. One of the next developments will be holographic telepresence. Holographic telepresence systems are ...
  • EdTech Futures

    Don’t Forget About It: How Spaced Repetition and Microlearning Boost Memory

    Spread the loveResearch on the forgetting curve has revealed some shocking statistics. Within one hour, people will have forgotten an average of 50 % of new information. Within 24 hours, ...
  • EdTech FuturesEdTech Startups & Businesses

    Your Edtech Startup Teacher Is a Feedback Loop

    Spread the loveIf your edtech startup is going to be successful, you’ll have to use  feedback loops. This recursive tool tells you how you’re doing. You already use feedback loops ...
  • EdTech Futures

    Why the Edtech Potential Will Never Reach Its Potential

    Spread the loveThere are more computers available for students in U.S. schools than ever before. More than nine out of 10 schools now use computers and more than 39 million ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
advocatefored@gmail.com

Follow us

Copyright © 2019 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.