The Future of Informal STEM Education
Welcome to the September 2023 edition of the Improved Insights Newsletter: a newsletter for folks in informal STEM learning spaces who want to learn more about how to measure and communicate the impacts of their work.
I’m Sarah M. Dunifon - a long-time STEM educator, evaluator, and equity advocate. After spending time working in museums, nonprofits, and higher education, I now work on cutting-edge informal STEM learning research and evaluation with my team at Improved Insights. We specialize in informal STEM learning and youth programs.
This monthly newsletter includes tips, resources, and news on informal STEM learning evaluation. We hope you find it valuable! Now, let’s get started —
The Future of Informal STEM Education
We spend a lot of time in this newsletter talking about the present aspects of Informal STEM Education (ISE). This month, I wanted to shift the focus a little and do some imagining about the long-term future of ISE. To read the full article, check it out in our Insights. In the meantime, here’s a taste:
When I think about the future of ISE, it is personalized and decentralized, taking place in both the virtual world and the real world. In the past ISE (at least more formalized ISE) has taken place at institutions like zoos, museums, planetariums, nature centers, and afterschool programs. As the world is increasingly moving into a digital space, I project that ISE will follow. A huge part of this shift into a digital world will center around technology. Many of the benefits of technology that we are already seeing in formal education settings will also translate into informal settings.
With the rise of AI technology, I expect that ISE learning will become more personalized. What does “personalized” look like, though? Rather than an institution or organization producing one program for a group of students (or even the general public), I believe we will see AI being leveraged to create personalized programs that are directly aligned with the interests, experiences, abilities, and prior knowledge of learners. Let’s imagine this:
A zoo partners with AI technology companies to create a personalized guided tour of the zoo. Using augmented reality glasses, visitors can engage with animals at the zoo. Visitors might ask questions to the glasses and see “layers” of back-stage areas and the front-stage exhibit (with locations of feeding areas, sleeping areas, keeper interaction areas, etc. highlighted as the user goes through the program). Rather than having one script for the tour, visitors can choose their own adventure, selecting whichever animals they wish to see and asking questions according to their interests (e.g., animal care, camouflage, related plant species, etc.). Perhaps there is even the ability to donate enrichment live during the program, selected from a menu of options. Being able to learn more deeply about their areas of interest and engage directly with the animals, via enrichment donations, leads to greater connection to animals and more support for conservation work.
ii Updates
We're celebrating our FIFTH ANNIVERSARY at Improved Insights!
To honor the occasion, we’re showcasing our newly defined mission and vision:
Our Mission
At Improved Insights, our mission is to empower informal STEM education organizations with the insights they need to make a lasting impact on learners. Through collaborative practices and data-driven evaluation, we guide our clients from 'we think it works' to 'we know it works.'
Our Vision
Our passion lies in improving the quality and accessibility of STEM education for all learners. By offering insightful and effective program evaluation services, we contribute to a future where equitable access to STEM education drives innovation, solves challenges, and creates opportunities.
A big thanks to all our clients, collaborators, and fellow STEM enthusiasts who are making the world of informal STEM learning a more equitable place. Join us in blowing out some (imaginary) candles this week!
60-Second Suggestions
Here are a few things that caught our eye this month, usually pertaining to informal STEM education and evaluation, but occasionally some fun personal stuff, too.
The Future of Museums Summit will be held virtually November 1-2, 2023. The Summit will focus on the role of generative AI in transforming museum experiences, changing workplace norms, and renewed efforts at repatriation and restitution. This will be a great opportunity to hear about what other museum professionals are considering and prioritizing in our ever-changing world.
The third episode from The National Girls Collaborative Project podcast, "Empowering Change: Women and Girls in STEM” (Empowering Girls in STEM: K-12 Education and Out-of-School Experiences Unite) offers an important take on equipping and training adults that interact with girls in STEM areas on a regular basis in order to encourage their students’ persistence. Hear from Nikole Collins-Puri, CEO of Techbridge Girls, in this clip.
A North Carolina State University program designed to involve Girl Scouts in citizen science found that the program was successful not only in teaching girls how to conduct research, but also motivated them to tackle scientific or environmental problems in their own communities.
This month, take some time to look beyond the present and imagine what the next five years, ten years, or even thirty years might look like in your work. How will technology, virtual spaces, and shifting norms affect your daily life? Explore the possibilities, and maybe jot down a few notes to keep for future you to look back on in 2033.
Until next time - thanks!