Sparking Innovation in STEM Education with Technology and Collaboration

Sparking Innovation in STEM Education with Technology and Collaboration

Source / author: 
OECD
Country: 
International
Publication date: 
17 April 2013
Publication type: 
Reports and studies

This report highlights innovative technology-supported pedagogic models in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, explores what to expect from collaboration in a designed network, and, thereafter, sketches lessons for promoting educational innovation through collaboration.

 

How can technology-supported learning help to move beyond content delivery and truly enhance STEM education so that students develop a broad mix of skills? How can collaboration be encouraged and used to help develop, spread, accelerate and sustain innovation in education? The HP Catalyst Initiative – an education grant programme by the Hewlett Packard (HP) Sustainability and Social Innovation team – is used as a case study to answer these questions.

 

First, five technology-supported pedagogic models emerging from the Initiative are highlighted: gaming, virtual laboratories, international collaborative projects, real-time formative assessment and skills-based assessment. These models have the potential to improve students’ learning outcomes, including development of higher-order thinking skills, and to expand the range of learning opportunities made available to students.

 

Second, the report explores the value of collaboration and support for innovation and outlines lessons for policy-makers and other stakeholders promoting educational innovation through collaboration. It shows that collaboration, especially international collaboration, can be an effective means to foster knowledge flows, new ideas and peer learning.

 

The results presented in the report are based on a mix of quantitative monitoring and qualitative case study methodology.