ASU, Battelle announce technology development collaboration


Arizona State University and Battelle, the world’s largest independent research and development organization, have announced the formation of a strategic collaboration designed to accelerate the exploration and development of new technologies to support the future of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education and learning.

These organizations join forces to design, build and implement innovative learning tools such as video libraries and mobile applications that allow students and teachers to share knowledge using state-of-the-art interactive devices. The conception of these technologies will be managed by researchers and developers who evaluate the exponential value of STEM education for educators and students with these tools from a social perspective.

ASU’s award winning Technology Based Learning and Research (TBLR) specializes in areas of research, emerging technologies, instructional design, courseware, and media development. TBLR is a department of ASU's Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College who offers challenging education programs that prepare highly qualified and successful teachers, leaders and researchers.

TBLR will oversee the development of software to assist both teachers and students in and out of the classroom in collaboration with Battelle's world-renowned STEMx research.

“This collaboration will expand ASU’s efforts in new ways where the engagement of interdisciplinary activities and technology-transfer pursuits are leveraged to create education innovations,” said Sethuraman "Panch" Panchanathan, senior vice president with the ASU Office of Knowledge Enterprise Development. “We are delighted to work as a team with Battelle which shares our vision for excellence and impact for STEM education and technology-based research development projects.”

The collaboration will draw upon numerous resources, chiefly STEMx, Battelle’s established network of 13 states whose goal is to accelerate the growth and application of new technologies to increase student achievement and provide additional resources that are suited for the young audience and teachers.

“We are proud to be joining forces with Arizona State University to explore innovative educational technology,” said Eric Fingerhut, vice president of education and STEM learning at Battelle. “Through this agreement we are able to link our most creative leaders and teachers from around the country, through the STEMx network, to proven talent in the development and creation of new technologies.”

The new relationship will focus on developing solutions that can be utilized throughout the world to increase STEM learning outcomes. TBLR and Battelle will explore ideas and distribute the apps throughout its STEM networks and schools.

Arizona State University and Battelle will also look to find new ways of utilizing technology in the classroom and to effectively scale best practices in STEM education.