To help members and other scientists and engineers bolster their leadership, communications and public engagement skills and broaden the impact of their work, AAAS launched the AAAS Learning Hub (LearningHub.aaas.org) on March 31. The new online learning and development platform was created in response to AAAS member requests for career development resources, especially on topics related to engaging in their communities.
“The AAAS Learning Hub builds on our decades-long legacy of providing training and development for STEMM professionals to engage effectively in and for society,” said Sudip Parikh, AAAS Chief Executive Officer and Executive Publisher of Science Family of Journals. “The resources on the Learning Hub align with our mission, are shaped by our expertise from among our many program areas, and most importantly, will help STEMM professionals better respond to the needs of the communities in which we live.”
With on-demand courses and live online learning events, the Learning Hub is created by experts for all types of STEMM professionals no matter where they are in their careers and wherever they live. The Learning Hub is optimized for accessibility and some of the resources and courses are offered free to non-members, for example “Leading with Empathy on Science Communication.”
Courses span areas including leadership, career development, communication and engagement, and feature content from AAAS programs such as the Local Science Engagement Network (LSEN) and the Center for STEMM Education & Workforce (CSEW), as well as from AAAS Sections. “Our Federal Courts: How They Work and What They Do” is an on-demand webinar hosted by AAAS Sections Y and X (General Interest in Science and Engineering and Societal Impacts of Science and Engineering). New offerings and events are in continuous development, keeping the content fresh and relevant.
“We are thrilled to offer this resource to AAAS Members and other STEMM professionals who are motivated to build their skills and, through that learning, deepen their connection to AAAS,” said Juli Staiano, AAAS Chief Advancement Officer. “We look forward to continuing to add new courses on a regular basis.”
The biggest influence on the platform’s development was our desire to share AAAS resources and knowledge with more STEMM professionals, and to empower them to excel in their careers and engage in our mission to advance science and serve society. We built courses with this aim in mind and in direct response to the real experiences of and feedback from members seeking supplemental, easy-to-access materials to meet immediate needs, such as brushing up on presentation skills before a talk or preparing to collaborate with scientists from other disciplines.
The “Public Engagement with Science Essentials” course, for example, which was co-developed with LSEN and builds on the legacy of the AAAS Center for Public Engagement with Science and Technology, was created in direct response to member interest in engaging with people in their communities and connects learners back to opportunities offered by AAAS programs.
Unlike the video-only courses common among other online learning platforms, AAAS Learning Hub courses include interactive elements and examples to help learners reflect on and apply what they learn as they go. Courses come in the form of quick, practical lessons learners can use right away, as well as longer-form courses that allow learners to explore a topic more fully.
Once a course is completed, learners can download a certificate of completion to add to their resume or CV, enabling them to demonstrate their commitment to continuous learning and growth to supervisors and prospective employers. Some courses include downloadable guides and links to relevant programs and initiatives. New features such as badges and continuing education credits will be implemented according to learners’ interests and needs.
New courses, live online learning events, and other resources will be added regularly in response to member and community requests. Learners can also provide feedback directly on the platform.
