Recognizing the need to collaborate with other centers dedicated to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education around the world, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville STEM Center Director Sharon Locke made a decision last year.
She enlisted the support of her staff, and using Batchgeo, a free-online tool for mapping lists of addresses, they made their center’s location known to the world. Only a year after implementing the map, more than 145 other STEM centers from across the globe have identified their locations. They are beginning to work together to avoid duplicating efforts and reinventing the wheel, especially when it comes to identifying policies and procedures.
“So far the data is mostly centered on the U.S. for now,” said Locke who hopes to promote its existence to draw more global interaction. “
The interactive map includes a list of centers with contact information and their exact locations for reference purposes. The site also includes direct links to STEM Center websites.
“This tool allows other STEM Centers to easily identify who in their area is doing work, so they can collaborate,” Locke said. “It enables teachers to see resources in their communities. It also provides funders and policy makers the ability to see geographic hot spots or holes in access to resources. As a result, they can better direct resources to meet specific community needs.”
The list is available at http://stemideas.org/national_community/. For more information, or to add a center to the list, contact (618) 650-3065 or email STEMCenter@siue.edu.