Pentagon Issues Challenge for Learning Applications

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, March 28, 2012 – Defense Department officials today launched a challenge to industry to develop innovative mobile applications that provide science, technology, engineering and math learning tools.

The contest, which will run from April 2 to June 4, is headed by the Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative, a DOD research and development office.

The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) App Challenge will benefit national STEM efforts for kindergarten through high school education, but also have an immediate impact on the Defense Department, said Kristy Murray, director of the Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative.

“We are always looking for innovative ideas for how we better incorporate mobile devices for learning within DOD,” Murray said.

The challenge is open to all mobile app developers who have creative ideas for developing apps that foster problem-solving, discovery, and exploratory learning in the targeted area of common misconceptions of science, Murray said. There is no cost for entering the challenge.

Winning developers will be showcased at the Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative’s iFest Conference in Orlando, Fla., July 31 to Aug 2. For more information or to submit an entry, visit the STEM App Challenge website.