Hands-on STEM Learning Experiences using Digital Technologies
This work addresses STEM learning for students by providing tangible examples, but it is incremental as it applies existing digital technologies in educational settings without new methodological breakthroughs.
The paper tackles enhancing STEM education by using digital fabrication technologies like 3D printing and micro-controllers in Italian schools, resulting in improved student competencies such as collaboration and problem-solving through hands-on projects.
The facilitation of STEM education can be enhanced by the provision of opportunities for learners to gain a better understanding of science through the utilization of tangible and visual examples. The objective of this work is to present an account of our experiences and activities carried out in Italian schools with this novel approach. The selection of projects and experiences discussed --in which students develop a range of core competencies such as collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, experimentation, prototyping, communication and problem-solving; include tangible complex 3D printed structures, large micro-controller board replicas and the visualization of wind dynamics and tiny invisible elementary particles among others. These hands-on experiences demonstrate the benefits on the use of digital fabrication technologies implemented within a FabLab for STEM learning.