Networks and Social Media for STEM Educators, Policymakers, and Researchers

In this pdf are STEM education networks and social media sources that may be of interest to DR-K12 grantees for the purposes of (1) disseminating knowledge and products and (2) developing partnerships with stakeholders and end users. These networks and social media were chosen because they provide researchers and developers with an opportunity to present their work to individuals that could use, promote, or improve the work. They were also chosen because they provide opportunities to learn from and participate in dialogue about current salient issues facing STEM educators, policymakers, and researchers. We gave preference to networks and social media used primarily by practitioners and policymakers, though we also included some used by STEM researchers and developers.

Information for this index was collected primarily through organization websites. Where possible, we identified individual authors/moderators along with their host organizations. With few exceptions, access to these networks and social media is open to the public. This information will be updated semi-annually for DRK12 grantees.

For the purposes of this index, we use the below definitions of social media types. Types of social media are identified for each source in index table.

 

Network
– communicative social structure that engages educators, policymakers, or researchers around STEM education issues; these networks often use various social media for communication 

Blog
– website with content posted from an individual or group of authors that addresses STEM education; unlike a forum or wiki, a blog is not typically an open-source medium

Twitter
– short text-based online posts on STEM education topics, often including links to other STEM education content

Forum
– interactive discussion medium through which users post on STEM education topics; includes online discussion sites, message boards, and electronic email lists

Wiki
– open-source collaborative website that addresses STEM education; a wiki’s content can be developed and modified by users

Newsletter
– a regularly distributed publication addressing STEM education topics such as research, news, issues, products, practices, and events; includes paper and electronic newsletters, as well as RSS news feeds

Broadcast
– audio and/or video content transmitted broadly to audiences interested in STEM education; includes radio broadcasts, podcasts, webcasts