Itron Launches STEM Curriculum to Encourage Next Generation of Innovators

Educational App Developed by University of Texas at Austin Professor and Disco Learning Media

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May 19, 2016, 08:45 ET

AUSTIN, Texas, May 19, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Itron, Inc., a world-leading technology and services company dedicated to the resourceful use of energy and water, announced today the launch of an interactive science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) curriculum, Resourcefulness: An Introduction to the Energy-Water Nexus. The educational app was developed by University of Texas professor Michael E. Webber, an expert on the water-energy nexus, and Disco Learning Media, a full service creative agency and educational consulting firm (www.getdis.co). Itron is making this educational app available to students globally. The goal of Resourcefulness is to improve water and energy literacy, encourage conservation and resourcefulness, and inspire the next generation of innovators.

Resourcefulness: An Introduction to the Energy-Water Nexus by Dr. Michael E. Webber of the University of Texas at Austin, now available online at www.stem.guide through a partnership with Itron, Inc.

"Itron recognizes that a growing skills gap exists in STEM-related fields. We want to encourage users to pursue paths in STEM-related fields of study and contributed to solving the challenges facing energy and water resources, including scarcity and increased demand," said Sharelynn Moore, Itron's vice president of global marketing and public affairs. "Our hope is to get more people involved in our industry, especially the next generation of talent. By introducing a new paradigm for solving problems in the utility industry that is tied to talent, we aim to inspire future innovators."

Instructors can integrate the content in existing classes through project-based learning and case studies, or they can build new courses based on this material using prepared standards guides (resourcefulness.getdis.co/curriculum). Outside of traditional education, the flexible units scale down to single lessons focused on specific interactions between energy and water and customized for different audiences.

"Resourcefulness provides an innovative example of the potential of partnerships in education today. This educational app is the first of its kind to be provided through community partnerships between a corporation and school districts and other learning institutions," said Dr. Webber. "Resourcefulness illustrates the next generation of educational material, which is delivered flexibly and dynamically across digital platforms, empowering students, teachers and learners of all ages to face the problems of the 21^st century with the knowledge and perspective to build a more resourceful world."

The educational app is available worldwide in the Apple App Store and the Google Play store. The desktop edition will be available soon.

www.stem.guide

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SOURCE Disco Learning Media; Itron, Inc.