TechMatrix Adds Science Category and Expands the Free Educational and Assistive Technology Information It Offers to Help All Students

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Science has been added to the categories of reading, mathematics and writing as part of an expansion of TechMatrix, a website developed by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) to provide free information about educational and assistive technology products for students – including those with disabilities, as well as English language learners.

The range of expert-reviewed materials available on the website, www.techmatrix.org, has been expanded to provide educators and families with a broad range of information about the latest products, technology implementation resources, and professional development materials. The website also includes expert advice, Hot Topics pages and advanced search features. New science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) TechMatrix resources include: virtual labs, dissection software, interactive demonstrations, visualization tools, and strategies for incorporating technology into the science classroom.

TechMatrix was developed by AIR experts for the National Center for Technology Innovation (NCTI) and Center for Implementing Technology in Education (CITEd).  Both centers are operated by AIR under funding from the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs. The new addition to TechMatrix helps teachers address the need for high-quality and engaging STEM content for students with disabilities, as highlighted in the recent 2010 President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology report.

"We are pleased to expand the services TechMatrix provides and to include important resources and material about the area of science," said Dr. Tracy Gray, who oversees AIR's STEM Center and serves as director of NCTI. "Science is an important addition to ensure that all students have access to needed 21st century skills, including science, technology, engineering and math."

The recently released report, Using Technology to Support Struggling Students in Science, serves as the anchor to the new subject area of science. It addresses the need for all students to be scientifically literate and provides the research, rationale, and key instructional approaches for using technology to support and engage all students.

TechMatrix now provides:

• 300 reviewed technology products in the areas of reading, writing, mathematics, science, and assistive technology.
• 70 Ask the Tech Expert answers to questions submitted to partner WETA Online Media sites.
• 70 Info Briefs written for practitioners and parents on topics ranging from adolescent literacy, the effective use of calculators and technologies to help students feel safe at school.
• 250 research citations of technology implementation and evaluation studies.
• 50 related websites and web tools.
• Information on Transitioning with Technology, which offers practitioners, parents, and community service providers with resources and products reviewed by top experts in the field to help those with disabilities transition from high school to postsecondary education and the workplace.

TechMatrix has been featured in eSchool News as a "Site of the Week" and in Education Week's Digital Directions as a Top Pick "Go-To Site for Educators." It is the recipient of a Google AdWords grant in 2008 for its innovative search and display capabilities.

About AIR

Established in 1946, with headquarters in Washington, D.C., the American Institutes for Research (AIR) is a nonpartisan not-for-profit organization that conducts behavioral and social science research and delivers technical assistance both domestically and internationally in the areas of health, education and workforce productivity. For more information, visit www.air.org.

SOURCE American Institutes for Research