aviateOK

Name: aviateOK
Author: Oklahoma State University

Oklahoma State University

DOCUMENTED

Published in academic literature

For:Educators & TeachersGeneral Public & EnthusiastsKids & Youth

Free

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App Summary

aviateOK is an educational app for K-12 students, parents, and educators that provides free activities and resources to promote engagement with aviation and aerospace topics. The associated research describes the app's development as a strategy to help build a sustainable workforce pipeline for STEM industries by making quality educational content freely accessible. The authors conclude that the app equips youth programs with the necessary resources to provide a quality STEM education and ignite a passion for the field in students.

App Screenshots

Detailed Description

Functionality & Mechanism

Developed at Oklahoma State University, aviateOK is a pedagogical tool designed to deliver aviation and aerospace STEM content to K-12 students, parents, and educators. The application's interface is structured to provide distinct resource pathways for different users. It disseminates curriculum-aligned activities and educational materials intended to stimulate interest in the aerospace industry. The system also furnishes educators, including those in extension programs like 4-H, with accessible resources to support classroom instruction and engagement.

Evidence & Research Context

The associated research articulates the app's design as a response to the need for a sustainable K-12 pipeline into STEM-related industries.
Development was centered at Oklahoma State University to support formal and informal educational settings, including 4-H youth programs.
The platform's primary pedagogical objective is to increase student engagement and exploration of the aviation and aerospace sectors through accessible, free resources.

Intended Use & Scope

This application is intended for K-12 educators, parents, and students as a supplemental resource for STEM education. Its primary utility is to provide curated activities and informational content to foster interest in aviation and aerospace. The tool does not constitute a formal curriculum or provide student assessment, and is designed to complement existing educational frameworks.

Studies & Publications

1 publication

Peer-reviewed research associated with this app.

Development/Design Paper

AviateOK: A STEM App to Increase K-12 Student Engagement in the Aviation and Aerospace Industry

Miller et al. (2024) · The Journal of Extension

Describes the research-driven development of this app

STEM industries are driving technological and economic growth across the globe. To remain competitive, the U.S. needs to focus on the advancement of STEM education and develop a sustainable pipeline to provide a well-qualified workforce to STEM-related industries. The Department of Aviation and Space Education (AVED) at Oklahoma State University (OSU) has developed aviateOK, which is a STEM application, to provide aviation/aerospace content to students, parents, and extension educators. The aviateOK STEM application promotes extension education by providing access to free activities and resources for grades K-12. AviateOK equips 4-H youth programs with the resources needed for extension educators to provide a quality STEM education and ignite in students a passion for STEM.

In the Media

OSU students and faculty launch aviateOK app

Oklahoma State University students and faculty launched aviateOK to educate K-12 students about the aviation industry and encourage aerospace interest, providing educational STEM content and activities. "Introducing young people to aviation and aerospace is an investment in the future of the industry," said Dr. Timm Bliss, aviation and space program coordinator who co-developed the app with Dr. Irene Miller from Southern Illinois University. Students designed the entire app from user interface to user interaction while collaborating to include educational materials.

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