The factors leading to the underrepresentation in STEM education include the lack of access to quality education and resources, biases in curricula, and the systemic lack of exposure. There exist cultural and psychological impediments that further distort the wonky participation scale; for example, stereotype threat and lack of relatable role models.  

Digital tools, including e-learning, provide a scalable and customizable learning option, real-time interactive learning, opportunities to connect students to experienced mentors in the field, and access to resources regardless of geography simultaneously. Digital tools may also deliver personalized instruction and may prove to be able to engage those communities that have been left out of the workforce so far.  

Culturally responsive eLearning platforms connect learners with their culture and allow them to learn by creating avatars, storylines and problems, in reference to their culture, language and communities. When students see relevance in the programs, they are more engaged, equity is maintained, and outcomes are likely to improve for all diverse learners. 

The simulated lab experiment and immersive environments created by VR and AR technologies provide students access to hands-on hands-on STEM experiences that otherwise wouldn't be available to them due to the absence of the physical space typical of a STEM lab. VR and AR will help to level the playing field between well-resourced school contexts and those less resourced contexts. 

Such digital spaces encourage collaborative making and sharing, allowing students to connect with projects and learn from the work of other students. Digital communities provide students with the possibility of global mentorship and peer networking, which is especially significant for marginalized groups.

AI adaptive learning systems collect user performance data to customize learning by pinpointing where learning gaps lie and giving actual guidance and tutorials to students. Hence, real-time learning personalization takes place, allowing the student to engage in more productive learning while maintaining retention at higher mastery levels. This is efficient when students lose touch with lessons and tend to fall behind. 

They are co-design with the community; emphasize mobile and wireless-based solutions; provide digital skills alongside advanced STEM; and allow all aspects of engagement programs to be iterated upon using analytics and the continuous active feedback of the users.  

Examples include online coding boot camps for girls located in remote, rural areas; virtual science fairs for Indigenous students; and adaptive AI tutor platforms for first-gen. Increased participation was reported in all these programs; some also demonstrated improvements in measurable learning. 

Mitr Media partners with educational institutes and organizations to grow personalized digital STEM solutions. These solutions reflect local cultures, support and include different languages, and provide scalable ways for marginalized groups to engage in STEM.  

 Mitr Media supports the entire process from needs assessment, platform identification and selection, localization and content development, to analytics and program improvement to produce successful, inclusive, and sustainable digital STEM programs for the most diverse populations.