Learning Blade tops 1 million STEM lessons

The Chattanooga-based Thinking Media said Monday that students have now completed more than 1 million STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) lessons focusing on technical career awareness through the Learning Blade programs.

Through the support of Tata Consultancy Services, Thinking Media has developed a robust STEM learning environment, which highlights 100 STEM careers and technologies by organizing them in 12 different missions. Learning Blade users were more than 59 percent more likely to intend to pursue STEM careers and 140 percent more likely to respond that they knew what STEM workers do for a living.

Statewide adoption of Learning Blade in Arkansas and Tennessee have contributed to the program reaching so many students.

“Offering Learning Blade at no cost to schools across the state has resulted in a powerful initiative that has given students, particularly in rural areas, an innovative way to explore future STEM careers,” said Wesley Hall, director of the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network.

Dane Boyington, chief technology officer for Thinking Media, said the students’ work on 1 million lessons represents 175,000 hours of STEM engagement and helped many students realize the potential and appeal of STEM careers.

“If they don’t know a career exists it is hard to strive for that future,” he said.