Reflection on STEAM and ICT

While completing the first semester of the course of M. Ed. One Year (STEAM), I found the ICT in STEAM to be very productive with some critical reflection of the course. The course not led us to the biosphere of technology but also emancipated us with a handful of knowledge of using different technologies, tools and resources which can be integrated by both students and teachers in the education process. In an article Alexendra (2021) states the use of technology in education is becoming increasingly popular as educational institutions seek to provide the best possible education for their students. Therefore, the use of technology i.e Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become a pertinent issue and an indispensable part of this progressive digital era. Since using ICT tools and applications allows students to study at a much faster rate than they would otherwise, employing educational technology has become crucial for today's students.

The world is changing fast, and it is universally acknowledged that citizens and workers in the twenty-first century will need more skills—particularly in math and science—than many school leavers and graduates currently possess. They will also need to be able to use the knowledge to meet the constantly evolving needs of today's existence. In today’s digital age, the integration of Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) into education has become increasingly important and this approach is massively being applied in the modern curriculum. STEAM is an educational approach to learning that uses Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics as access points for guiding student inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. With the incorporation of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) into classrooms under the STEAM pedagogical approach, students have access to the ocean of information and resources that can help enhance their learning experience. Students learn different hands-on skills related to Information and Communication Technology as the world has jumped to artificial intelligence (AI). The use of AI has become essential in the field of education. However, it is not enough to simply introduce these technologies into the classroom; those technologies must be used effectively to realize their full potential. In this paper, I will reflect on my own experience with STEAM and ICT in the classroom, and discuss the challenges and opportunities that arise when integrating these technologies into education.

As this ICT is based on practical ideas one of the challenges that educators face when incorporating STEAM and ICT into the classroom is ensuring that students have the necessary access, skills and knowledge to effectively use these technologies. According to research by Pyak et. all (2019) conducted by the British Council, “only about one-third of students in Nepal are literate in computer” and many students lack the basic skills necessary to effectively use technology for learning. Whereas the same report revealed that only 37% of teachers are ICT-friendly. This data shows that there is the necessity of providing access and training and skills in using ICT to students has become crucial. Further, there is a strong need or importance of providing teachers with adequate training and support to use these technologies in the classrooms to their full potential.

Another challenge that arises when incorporating STEAM and ICT into the classroom is the potential for technology to be used superficially, without any real educational benefit. According to a report by the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE, 2017), “the mere use of technology in the classroom does not guarantee improved learning outcomes.” It is important to ensure that the technology being used is properly integrated into the curriculum and that it is being used to enhance the learning experience, rather than simply as a distraction or a tool for entertainment. Unless there will be the misuse of technology leading people to a catastrophic situation or will just be an addiction.

Despite these challenges, incorporating STEAM and ICT into the classroom can also provide several benefits to students. One of the most significant benefits is the ability to provide students with access to a vast amount of information, knowledge and resources that can be used to enhance their learning experience. According to a report by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD, 2016), “technology can provide students with access to a wealth of information and resources that can help to deepen their understanding of a topic.” This can be especially useful for students who have difficulty understanding certain concepts or who need additional support in certain areas. Further, the article importance of technology in schools written for the Centre for Education in Science and Technology (2023) highlights that for children, computer technology has provided an indescribable wealth of resources, information and knowledge; since the introduction of the internet, students are now able to access information on whatever subject they want, wherever they want. While using ICT in education students can get a plethora of information and expertise through technology education, which they can subsequently use to pursue a job in the field or simply as a topic of interest and intrigue. Further, the benefits of ICT can be as the followings:

1. Better Collaboration and Communication

Collaboration can be enhanced through educational technologies. Students can interact with one another throughout lessons in addition to engaging with teachers. Students have the opportunity to collaborate to solve challenges through online classes and educational activities. Students can encourage one another and share ideas through collaborative activities. Technology also provides students with the opportunity to interact directly with teachers. Students can seek further assistance on concepts that are challenging to understand as well as express questions about the classroom. Students can upload their schoolwork at home, and teachers can use laptops to access and view completed assignments. Many opportunities lie ahead for more open, extensive collaboration and accompanying benefits for ICT, including through the use of virtual research environments and cloud computing services (Read, 2010).

2. Tailor Learning Prospects

Constant access to instructional information is made possible by technology. Using a laptop or mobile device, classes can be taken online. Learning that is hybrid combines regular in-person classroom sessions with the use of technology from any location. Both possibilities allow for the customization of learning programmes for the individual learner using technology. Coursework can be developed by teachers using the interests and skills of their students. Students can learn at their own pace, which is an additional advantage. Students can watch the lesson plan videos when they need to revisit the content covered in class to comprehend key ideas better. Teachers can identify which students struggled with particular courses and provide additional guidance and assistance owing to the data collected by these online activities. It further enables students with greater independence not only in terms of when and where they learn but also in what they learn (Nwigbol and BK., 2016).

3. Curiosity is Accelerated by the Relevant Information:

Learning becomes strong when students learn with full of curiosity. Teachers can stimulate children's curiosity, which has been linked to academic performance, by providing them with engaging and instructional content. Learners who are curious learn and understand math and reading subjects more efficiently. When ICT is integrated into lessons, students become more engaged in their work. This is because technology provides different opportunities to make it more fun and enjoyable in terms of teaching the same things in different ways. As a consequence of this increased engagement, it is said that they will be able to retain knowledge more effectively and efficiently. AR, videos, and podcasts may all be used to create compelling content. Students can engage with peers from around the world or add films to their assignments, for instance.

4. Promote Teachers' Efficiency and Productivity:

Teachers may use technologies to increase productivity, apply practical digital tools to promote student opportunities to learn and boost support and participation from students. While highlighting the use of ICT for teachers Ghavifekr & Rosdy (2015) share that the integration of Information, Communication, and Technology (ICT) will assist teachers with the global requirement to replace traditional teaching methods with technology-based teaching and learning tools and facilities. Additionally, it gives teachers the ability to customise learning and enhance their teaching strategies. By lowering the cost of physical teaching materials, improving the effectiveness of educational programs, and making the most use of instructor time, technology can assist schools.

5. Foster Creativity and Innovation:

Another benefit of incorporating STEAM and ICT into the classroom is the ability to foster creativity and innovation among students. Cusanelli & Trevallion, (2020) in their journal article state “Creativity and innovation play an important role in developing students thinking and solving authentic problems”. This is particularly important in a world that is constantly changing and evolving, where the ability to think creatively and solve problems is becoming increasingly important.

In my own experience, incorporating STEAM and ICT into the classroom has been beneficial for both students and educators. ICT eases teachers for better planning of content and information required to the different levels of students and delivery to students which gives better and quality outcomes in students learning. I have been able to provide my students with access to a wealth of information and resources that can be used to enhance their learning experience. I have also been able to incorporate several technology-based activities and projects with the support of different ICT Tools and Resources into my curriculum that allows students to get knowledge and information, think critically and creatively about the information or knowledge that they received through different sources and solve problems in new and innovative ways. However, I have also encountered some of the challenges that come with incorporating these technologies into the classroom, such as the need to ensure that students have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively use these technologies and the potential for technology to be used superficially. Along with this, digital well-being is equally focused on by educators while bringing ICT into the classroom. The selection of the content and process must be scrutinized by the educators.

In conclusion, incorporating STEAM and ICT into the classroom can provide several benefits and hands-on skills for teachers and students but it also comes with challenges. Educators need to ensure that students have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively use these technologies i.e. tools and resources and that the technology is being used to enhance the learning experience. It is also important to ensure that it is not misused and has not taken someone’s life.

Reference:

how-important-is-technology-in-todays-education-industry

Phyak, P., Gurung, Y., Khanal, P., & Mabuhand, BK (2019). The Existing Situation of and Use of ICT in Public Secondary Schools. British Council.

OECD (2016). Innovating Education and Educating for Innovation: The Power of Digital Technologies and Skills. OECD Publishing, Paris. http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/9789264265097-en

Centre for Education in Science and Technology (2023, January 11). Importance of technology in schools. https://www.cest.org.uk/importance-of-technology-in-schools/

Cusanelli, L. N., & Trevallion, D., (2020). Using technology for productive, creative purposes. International journal of innovation, creativity and change. Vol. 13 (1). https://www.ijicc.net/images/vol_13/13100_Cusanelli_2020_E_R.pdf

Ghavifekr, S. & Rosdy, W.A.W. (2015). Teaching and learning with technology: Effectiveness of ICT integration in schools. International Journal of Research in Education and Science (IJRES), Vol. 1(2), 175-191.

Read, M., (2010). Collaboration in Higher Education and Its Benefits for ICT. https://er.educause.edu/articles/2010/3/collaboration-in-higher-education-and-its-benefits-for-ict

Nwigbol, S., & B.K, M., 2016). Impact of ICT on the Teaching-Learning Process. IOSR Journal of Mobile Computing & Application.Vol. 3 (2).

Search This Blog

Digital Learning Plateform

Reflection on STEAM and ICT