Technology is an ever-evolving medium that has become a crucial part of everyday life. It aims to make education and learning more accessible, efficient, and productive. In particular, STEM skills — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math — have become essential to any modern education plan. Advancements in technology continue to open doors for students pursuing STEM-based education. Coupled with this, students who choose to learn online enjoy near limitless potential. In this blog, we’ll explore how.
Providing New Opportunities
Author Ozcan Akgun describes technology’s connection to STEM as “an opportunity that fosters the teaching and learning process.” Beyond aspiring scientists and engineers, STEM-based learning offers essential tools for all students. Success in STEM helps students develop critical thinking, analysis, and team-building skills. With technology, access to data is instant and offers a variety of tools to help students better understand STEM concepts.
Self-Paced Learning
Online study through a virtual high school, like Ontario Virtual School, allows students to study at their own pace. Resources are available online around the clock to use as a reference. STEM topics can be challenging for many students. Students who struggle in traditional learning settings can harness this technology to practice as much as they need. At the same time, 24/7 access allows those who want to challenge themselves further to do so with ease.
Finding A Future with Apps
Technology is the way of the future; so it’s no surprise that STEM-apps are becoming increasingly popular among high school students. These interactive tech tools can help enhance the learning experience, alongside e-learning. It’s a natural blend of mobile technology (which has become the norm for teenagers) with innovative learning.
Using apps to navigate these subjects can help spark their interest in STEM and even introduce possible career paths. Parent Map has even created a list of recommended STEM-based apps for middle and high school students.
Taking Advantage of Additional Tools
In addition to the more traditional tools available, there are many other online avenues to explore with e-learning. Technology allows students to participate through dynamic representations. That is, they learn through digital models and simulations of STEM-based systems. Online simulations offer students the opportunity to put what they’ve learned into practice in real-time. By taking advantage of supplementary learning tools, students can advance their learning beyond class-based curriculum.
Tools like Gizmos can help students master these concepts through engaging simulations. Finding a virtual school that offers these simulations is the first step in ensuring that students have the tools they need to succeed. With Gizmos, students and teachers have access to the latest educational experiments and lessons. These interactive designs offer students an in-depth understanding of visualization, measuring, and graphing. They’ll learn about energy conversions, cell division, patterns, and fractions all in one convenient location.
These new tools provide students with an interactive, hands-on experience outside of the classroom. Education-based technology is evolving rapidly, promising even more STEM opportunities to come. These advancements will allow students to dive deeper into STEM concepts and experiment more freely.
Breaking Down the Benefits of e-Learning
Remote learning is becoming even more popular as we all adjust to the “new normal”. As more students discover e-learning, they are also uncovering its many benefits:
Inclusivity: With e-learning, all students have access to the same tools and opportunities. In fact, any student with an internet connection can access quality content, regardless of their location, physical ability or learning difficulties.
Independent Learning: Web-based learning promotes independence in students. The limited interaction between students and teachers puts an emphasis on self-sufficient learning.
Engagement: Additionally, the opportunity for engagement increases with technology. Curricula revolving around STEM often requires an interactive, hands-on approach. Coupled with technology, e-learning expands the way students interact with STEM concepts. This could mean virtual group chat discussions, or science experiments via virtual labs.
Remote Work: Technology has become increasingly important in the modern workforce. An increasing number of jobs are transitioning to work-from-home models. For students accustomed to learning from home, the transition to working remotely is simple.
Environment: Virtual education also has a significant impact on the environmental. Online access to learning tools, assignments, and textbooks eliminates the need for paper copies. With less printing required, fewer cartridges are being used and waste decreases. Fewer physical classes also mean lower carbon emissions.
Technology offers high schoolers valuable tools as they prepare for university-level STEM study. Understanding STEM concepts builds on fundamental skills, such as independence, problem-solving, and communication. With technology leading curriculum development, the possibilities for students today are virtually endless.