Course Title and Code : Educational Technology (ESEB3073) 

MODULE #1 : STE(A)M LEARNING

 STEAM LEARNING
 What is STEAM learning? 

 " 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."

 -Sun Riley, Arts Integration Specialist-

•  STEAM-based programmes take an integrated approach to learning and teaching, which requires an intentional connection between curriculum learning objectives, standards, assessments, and lesson design/implementation. 
• STEAM learning applies meaningful maths, science, and technology content to solve real-world problems through hands-on learning activities and creative design. Reference : http://elearning.tki.org.nz/Teaching/Future-focused-learning/STEAM There are two types of learning styles under STEAM Learning which are short term learning and medium term learning. Short Term Online Learning 
•  According to the US Department of Education (2009)-Online learning is defined as a learning session that is conducted totally online as a substitute or alternative to face-to-face learning. 

The important benefit of online learning is that it can span time and distance. You do not have to be in the same place as your teacher to obtain course-related information. Even if you are attending a traditional course, when the instructor uses Skype for example, you can have anywhere, anytime access to your course documents along with consistent interaction with your classmates and teacher as long as you have ample internet connection.

 Ref : https://www.frostburg.edu/nursing/distance-learning/what-is-online-learning/

 Mobile Learning 

• Mobile learning, also known as m-learning, is an educational system. Mobile learning supports, with the help of mobile devices, a continuous access to the learning process. This can be on appliances like your phone, laptop or tablet. You can learn wherever and whenever you want. With the advent of mobile learning, educational systems are changing. 
•  Advantages of mobile learning : . Videos make it possible to make learning more lively! -Working together from long distance While the one student might be in one place and the other one is in another place, it’s still possible to work together. This is one of the main benefits of mobile learning.
• Disadvantages of mobile learning: - Distraction Mobile devices can be a great distraction for participants. Children like learning on tablets, but gaming on tablets seems to be even more fun! As a teacher you are not always able to control what your pupils are doing on their tablets. -Not enough electricity for all mobile devices There have to be enough sockets for all those mobile devices, and not even spoken about all the cables. This may be a problem in the first couple of years.

 Ref : https://www.easy-lms.com/knowledge-center/lms-knowledge-center/mobile-learning/item10388

 Adaptive Learning Technologies 

•  Adaptive learning, also known as adaptive teaching, is an educational method which uses computer algorithms to orchestrate the interaction with the learner and deliver customized resources and learning activities to address the unique needs of each learner. 
• Benefits of Using Adaptive Tech in Online Learning : -Students get real-time response to their work. -Teachers get data with insights into student needs. -It decreases the risk of students falling behind and giving up. -It can make the already minimal interactions between faculty and online students more productive. -The technology actively uses research about how people learn. 
• A big part of what appeals to students about the possibility of online learning is being able to approach the material on their own time, at their own pace. Adaptive learning technology helps online students make sure they use their learning time as efficiently and productively as possible. Students still have to put in the work to succeed; but with adaptive technology, they’ll be able to focus on the right work.
•  Ref :http://www.edudemic.com/how-adaptive-learning-technology-is-being-used-in-online-courses/

Medium Term

Immersive Learning

• Immersive learning is the process of learning with the usage of a simulated or artificial environment. The environment enables the learners to completely get immersed in the learning and in a way that feels like experiencing an actual learning environment. This type of learning is becoming common with regards to online courses and learning. 
• The Advantages of Immersive Learning : -Immersive learning enables you to practice the skills of the real world but in a safe environment. The activities are backed up with rich feedback and they do not disrupt or impact the real customers or processes in any way. 
• Immersive learning provides a great platform and chance to practice interactions and skills wherever and whenever a learner has an access the eLearning platform. 
• Immersive learning establishes a great platform and ability to let the geographically dispersed learners meet together to role-play and in a virtually established environment. With that, they can also have discussion and exchange knowledge and information – something that is more suitable for virtual worlds.
• Examples of immersive learning through gaming : In the Assassin's Creed gaming series produced by Ubisoft, players get the opportunity to play as an assassin in various historical timelines. In Assassin's Creed Origins, we can view and immerse ourselves in Ancient Egypt during Cleopatra's rule. The gaming company had came up with the Discovery Tour version of AC : Origins whereby anyone can tour, view and learn about the history of ancient egypt. Added with graphics of where the historical events took place, educators can use the Discovery tour as an effective teaching tool whereby the students can immerse themselves in their topics.  

 Ref : https://raccoongang.com/blog/immersive-learning-explained/

 3D Printing 

• 3D printing or additive manufacturing is a process of making three dimensional solid objects from a digital file.
• 3D printing enables you to produce complex (functional) shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods.

Ways 3D Printing can be used in education : 

1. Engineering design students can print out prototypes 
2. Architecture students can print out 3D models of designs 
3.  History classes can print out historical artifacts for examination 
4.  Graphic Design students can print out 3D versions of their artwork 
5. Geography students can print out topography, demographic, or population maps 
6. Cooking students can create molds for food products 
7.  Automotive students can print out replacement parts or modified examples of existing parts for testing

 Ref : https://3dprinting.com/what-is-3d-printing/

Conclusion

Overall, STEAM learning has provided both students and educators the opportunity to fully interact with their lessons and other related topics. The platform to immerse themselves into the virtual world of what their subject may be about would increase the understanding of the students towards what they are being taught and thus improving their ability to remember their lesson.