Gizmos A Big Part of STEM Education

    ExploreLearning was featured in the July 2008 issue of T.H.E. Journal as a part of one district's efforts to improve STEM education. In an article entitled "High Schools: An Equation That Works," author Mary Ann Wolf discusses ways to make STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and math) more interesting to students by combining technology with engaging instructional practices. Technology administrators in several districts were asked about what has worked for them in reaching students more effectively in this area. In Forsyth County, Georgia, ExploreLearning was cited as a key to success in STEM education. Here is an excerpt from the article:

Bailey Mitchell, chief technology officer of Forsyth County Schools (GA), has worked with other officials in his district to implement technology tools and resources supported by ongoing professional development to produce compelling STEM instruction. Teachers in Forsyth have embraced the rich collection of digital content provided by ExploreLearning, a catalog of modular, interactive simulations in math and science that the company calls Gizmos.

'The results have been promising, with students developing a deep and lasting understanding of key concepts in math and science through inquiry and exploration,' Mitchell says.

He explains that using technology compels students to draw on higher-level thinking skills and makes the basic ability to recall information secondary. 'As students create their learning communities using Web 2.0 tools, being able to recall factual information becomes less important than being able to evaluate and synthesize information. These students are achieving on state tests, but are also learning critical 21st-century skills.'

To read the full article in T.H.E. journal, click here: http://www.thejournal.com/articles/22920_1

The Journal is dedicated to improving and advancing the learning process through the use of technology. Launched in 1972, T.H.E. Journal was the first magazine to cover education technology. With a circulation of 90,000 qualified readers, T.H.E. is the largest circulated education technology monthly publication.