INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY WITH SCIENCE IN STEM EDUCATION FOR K-12 STUDENTS

Abstract

Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education is vital for the economy and future employment in developing countries. However, STEM education in Pakistan is still an emerging topic, especially in Hyderabad. Numerous challenges have been found in introducing STEM education as it is complex, unavailable, lack of usability in the education curriculum. STEM education is found to be a suitable learning technique for both teachers and students of Kinndergarten-12 (K-12) grade. This paper introduces an integrated technology and science-based web application that provides an animation-based learning and teaching application prototype. A preliminary survey was conducted from teachers to assess their Information Technology (IT) knowledge and its use in learning and teaching. There were 60% teachers used projectors in the lectures, while the 33.3% used class board and markers, and the remaining 6.7% used only hand gestures to teach their students.  Later, the prototype was experienced to see the feasibility and understanding of teachers. 46.7% of teachers voted for the prototype interface as interesting to use while the remaining percentage voted as an average and confusing interface. It was noted that teachers with less education levels had less interest to use this prototype application, however, teachers who were familiar with basic IT skills were likely to use this application. In the end, the last question about using the prototype application in their lectures showed that 80% of teachers will use this application in every practical lecture while 20% of teachers would use this application whenever they get time to prepare for it.