STE(A)M LEARNING

ESEB3073 EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY 

1.0 STE(A)M LEARNING

           STEM stands for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. STEM is an approach to learning and development. By having STEM, students develop key skills which included problem-solving, creativity, critical analysis, teamwork, independent thinking, initiative, communication and also digital literacy. STEM had become an important role in education due to the global economy change. Which current jobs are disappearing due to automation meanwhile new jobs are emerging everyday single day as a result of technological advances. The continual advances in technology are changing the way students learn, connect and interact every day. The reason why STEM really matters is because of its qualifications and skills are essential to Australia’s productivity, innovation and success. The STEM qualification is gaining academic and VET qualifications which increases job opportunities. The capabilities of it are curiosity, independent thinking, logical reasoning collaboration, strong communication, creativity, problem-solving, entrepreneurship, and digital technology skills which are highly desired and transferable. Technology may contribute to the design and implementation of STEM activities in multiple ways. In a way, the use of technology encourages students to become more innovative and to develop creative thinking skills while they work on their projects. There are a few technologies that can be used in STEM learning:

            1.1 Tablet Computing

Tablet Computing

    Tablet computers are quick emerg as a powerful learning tool in education, especially higher education. The unique functionality of the tablet computer allows the teacher to create lecture materials for their classes using a digital format instead of paper. The digital lecture material is able to be distributed to the students for later review. A tablet enhanced learning environment where single or multiple tablets are implemented to enhance student learning. Though it is a universally agreed-upon definition is lacking currently, there is some agreement that stated a tablet is a computer which is a personal computer whose primary input device is a screen or a convertible notebook whose screen can be used as an input device. It is an innovative device to hit the educational technology sector which has design and handwriting functionally, challenges the way faculty and students integrate tablet computers into their teaching and learning process.

1.2 Social Networks

Social Networks

      Social networking is the use of internet-based social media sites. It is social media sites to stay connected with friends, family, colleagues, customers, or clients. Social networking can have a social purpose, a business purpose, or both, through sites such as the famous Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Youtube. Social networking sites are important because it has unique access to the most personal information of its users like their interests, places, frequently visited, and more. Social media also plays an important role in every student's life. It is easier and convenient to access all sorts of information. Teachers and students are connected to each other and can make good use of these platforms for the working of their education. Social network tools also afford students and institutions with multiple opportunities to improve their learning methods.

1.3 Mobile Broadband 

Mobile Broadband

     Mobile broadband is a wireless technology that allows you to connect a mobile device such as smartphone or tablet to a broadband internet. For those who do not have home wifi able to use mobile broadband to surf the internet. For those students who are taking high education, it is really important for them to do their coursework. Mobile broadband has internet access to connection speed up to 100 times faster than a dialup connection. It can help us download picture files, software in seconds or minutes instead of hours. Online gaming is only possible using broadband internet access.

1.4 Natural User Interface (NUI)

Natural User Interface

    A natural user interface (NUI) is a system for human-computer interaction that the user operates through intuitive actions related to natural, everyday human behavior. A NUI may be operated in a number of different ways, mostly depending on the purpose and user requirements. Facts stated that the natural user interface (NUI) is a new approach that has become increasingly popular in Human-Computer (HCI). The use of this technology is widely used in almost all sectors, including the field of education. It enables users to control and interact with the game without the need of using any controller. 

1.5 Speech to Speech Translator 

Speech to speech translator

   Speech to speech translator is a process of which conversational spoken phrases are instantly translated and spoken aloud in a second language.  It is a phrase in which the system only translates a fixed and finite set of phrases that have been manually entered into the system. Speech translation technology enables speakers of different languages to communicate. It is also a tremendous value for humankind in terms of science, cross-cultural exchange, and global business. The translation mostly integrate three software technologies which are automatic speech recognition (ASR), machine translation (MT) and voice synthesis (TTS).

         In conclusion, STEM learning had become an important role in education due to the global economy change. Technology contributes to the design and implementation of STEM activities in multiple ways. The uses of technology encourage students to become more innovative and to develop creative thinking skills while they work on their projects. Other than that, tablet computers are quick emerg as a powerful learning tool in education, especially higher education. Social networking is the use of internet-based social media sites. Mobile broadband is a wireless technology that allows you to connect a mobile device such as smartphone or tablet to a broadband internet. A natural user interface (NUI) is a system for human-computer interaction that the user operates through intuitive actions related to natural, everyday human behavior. Also, speech to speech translator is a process of which conversational spoken phrases are instantly translated and spoken aloud in a second language.

Blogspot reflection is done by Monica Jee Ai Mei (SW190408645). Currently a Bachelor of Degree in Education student at Unitar International University. The purpose of this blog reflection is to let other bloggers and visitor understand more about education other than just teaching and learning.