STEM Innovation Spotlights
Technology can be a robust tool to transform STEM learning. To help school and district staff implement new, research-based approaches for using technology effectively in STEM learning, the Office of Educational Technology, in partnership with Digital Promise, conducted a systematic review of the research literature on the impact of integrating innovative digital technology in STEM and computer science curricula and classrooms. We used the resulting research synthesis, in conjunction with information about school demographics, geographic locations, and markers of success or needed improvement, to identify 10 school sites that are “spotlighted” in short videos below. Both the research synthesis and the video spotlights are available to help teachers, curriculum specialists and other school and district staff learn about effective uses of technology for deepening students’ STEM experiences.

STEM Spotlight Framework
The review of the literature surfaced nine dimensions of powerful STEM learning that can be supported with digital technology. The review looked at studies of supports for students’ development of STEM and computational thinking knowledge and practices (skills) that provided evidence of student learning outcomes, as measured by an objective test and not just self-reported perceptions of learning.