Imagine this: high school students participating in an experiment, collecting data along with a scientist at the Toledo Zoo. Except the students are in their classroom two hours away, using a live video feed to participate.
For northwest Ohio's proposed STEM hub, that example -- and many like it -- is expected to become a reality.
If approved this fall, the STEM hub's reach would cover a 26-county region, from Williams County to Knox County. That's a distance of nearly 200 miles. Proponents of the STEM program say the only way to cover that much ground using innovative STEM curricula is to incorporate distance learning.
Bob Midden, director of the Northwest Ohio Center of Excellence at Bowling Green State University (one of the partners developing the hub), says the program would involve communication between scientists and engineers with students in the classrooms.
"We will use video conferencing hardware and software -- in the field and in the lab," he says. "This allows scientists to bring their experience into the classroom. Students can get involved by using measurements, experiments, consulting and reporting their findings."
Midden says the Putnam County Educational Service Center and Tri-Rivers Educational Computer Association will play important roles in the formation of the distance learning opportunities within the hub.
"Computer-mediated technology is one of the unique features of this new, STEM school platform," he says, adding that the region includes urban, suburban and rural school districts." We're trying to spread out the use of resources. Small, rural district can't justify the expense. Large, urban districts can justify but cannot afford the expense. By having shared staff, teachers, visitations — even field trips — we will be able to maximize (the program)."
A final proposal for the STEM hub in northwest Ohio will be submitted to the Ohio STEM Committee this fall, with hopes of funding by the end of the year, and implementation starting in January 2011.
Source: Bob Midden, Bowling Green State University
Writer: Colin McEwen