EXPLORE INTERACTIVE, INC — Department of Health and Human Services SBIR Phase I: 500

Description

ABSTRACT This SBIR Phase I project will build evidence based contentchallenges and assessments that promotesimulation based learningtroubleshooting and critical thinkingand diversity and inclusion in STEM learningThe approach will be transferable by design to teaching and measuring learner performance across scientific disciplinesEmerging digital content in virtualVRand augmented realityARis already transforming sciencetechnologyengineeringand mathSTEMeducation from the abstract and static learning models of the past to the applied and dynamic learning experiences of the futureThese technologies have promise in delivering simulation environments capable of nurturing deep learning and higher level thinking in Kstudents through practical experiencehand on exercises and real life applicationssuch as troubleshootingDigital AR and VR educational content is beginning to address and develop these skillsbut a platform has yet to be developed to effectively enable broad adoption in elementary settingsCost efficient methods to provide formative feedback and gather summative evaluations for Next Generation Science StandardsNGSSis also an unmet needThe successful completion of the proposed project will provide an evidence centered content delivery and assessment framework as well as tool for addressing NGSS performance expectations that is transferable across topic areas and readily scalable for large scale national implementationThe content will intentionally incorporate aspects of context and diversity of characters to ensure inclusion of groups that are historically underrepresentedspecifically females and ethnic minorities NARRATIVE Success in the workforce of the future will require the high level thinking skills that the Next Generation Science StandardsNGSSemphasizeEmerging digital content in virtualVRand augmented realityARis transforming science and engineering education from the abstract and static learning models of the past to the applied and dynamic learning experiences of the futurethrough practical simulation based experiencesbut these lack the capability for performance assessment crucial to teachers and decision makersBy providing a readily scalable and flexible platformthe proposed approach promises to accelerate access to high qualityinclusiveand evidence centered AR content delivery and assessment of NGSS standards which in turn provides students with the skills they need for success