OSU announces $7.5 million NASA Technology award to enhance online learning

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

 

Oklahoma State University has received a $7.5 million grant to collaborate with NASA to improve the use and effectiveness of online learning technologies in K-12 education, higher education, and in informal settings, such as museums.  The five-year national project begins August 1.

The NASA Distance Learning Network (DLN) will emphasize learning in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, known as the STEM disciplines.  DLN combines NASA’s available wealth of information with a wide range of technology-based teaching methods and experts who can translate NASA’s mission and research data into age-appropriate learning materials.

Dr. Steve Marks, a professor in the Oklahoma State University College of Education, has effectively worked with NASA on a variety of initiatives and will lead OSU’s efforts.

“DLN continues the partnership OSU and NASA have enjoyed for decades,” Marks said.  “This project will enable NASA’s science and engineering excellence potentially to reach every American with access to the Internet.”

OSU will be developing and producing education modules to be delivered to classrooms across the United States using existing and emerging technologies. The modules are available to the public free of charge.  In addition to the modules, there will also be webcasts, live events, libraries of information and photographs, as well as opportunities to become more engaged with NASA missions and the research that results from space exploration.

“NASA missions make science, math and engineering come alive,” said Marks.  “We will now have the capability to reach everyone through a variety of media and approaches.”