Center for Digital Education: Engaging the STEM Intermediate Student with Technology

Despite a nearly urgent need for science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) graduates in the workforce, the number of U.S. students entering STEM careers has been dwindling. Moreover, U.S. students have been lagging behind other countries in science and math, with only 29 percent of American fourth-grade students, a third of eighth-grade students and barely 18 percent of 12th-grade students performing at or above the proficient levels in science. As a result, the Obama administration made STEM one of its top priorities, with the following goals:

• Increase STEM literacy so all students can think critically in science, math, engineering and technology
• Improve the quality of math and science teaching so American students are no longer outperformed by those in other nations
• Expand STEM education and career opportunities for underrepresented groups, including women and minorities

To meet these end goals, schools need to take critical steps at the middle-school level to prepare students for STEM fields. Eighth grade in particular is a critical defining point for students in college and career planning.

Teach STEM effectively with multiple classroom technologies, including various mobile computing devices and interactive presentation tools, to foster and build upon middle-school students’ intuitive exploration. Having tools that put the focus on the student rather than the teacher helps create a connected classroom where lessons become more interactive and student collaboration increases. Introducing technology at the middle-school level can make the overall education experience better for everyone, including:

• Administrators ― Transparent technology infrastructure and rich media content augment curriculum choices
• Teachers ― Connected classroom technologies better equip teachers to address individual student needs
• Students ― Exciting and more meaningful learning activities are available, stimulating learning
• Parents ― Connectedness enables parents to have greater involvement in student learning