Computers and Software Through STEM Education

 

Computers and Software Through STEM Education

Author: Santosh Kumar Biswa, Sr. Teacher, Damphu CS, Tsirang, Bhutan

 

Computers and software have indeed revolutionized our world in numerous ways, impacting nearly every aspect of our lives (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). From communication and information access to transportation, healthcare, and entertainment, technology has become an integral part of modern society. They are changing the way we work, the way we learn, and the way we interact with the world around us. However, it has frequently been difficult for the educational system, particularly in schools, to keep up with these quick technological and computer science breakthroughs. The teaching of computers is falling behind in many schools. Fewer schools just offer advanced computer science courses. Computer science is a useful talent that can help students succeed in the workforce; hence, this is a concern (Guzdial & Reed, 2012). In this article, we will look at how much computer science is altering the world, why schools still don't teach much about computers, and how STEM education may help. We will also talk about approaches for persuading peers, administrators, and parents of the value of computer science education.

The Impact of Computers and Software on Our World

Numerous facets of our lives have been significantly impacted by computers and software. Through the internet and digital tools, they have transformed communication and information access, giving immediate worldwide connectedness and access to large volumes of knowledge (European Schoolnet, 2016). With computers and software automating activities and increasing production, automation, and efficiency have substantially improved across industries. Computer science has significantly improved patient care, diagnosis accuracy, and medical research in the field of healthcare. Examples of these improvements include electronic health records, medical imaging, telemedicine, and data analysis (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2018). New avenues have been made possible by artificial intelligence and machine learning in areas including fraud detection, tailored recommendations, and natural language processing. Computers and software have also changed creative sectors, including gaming, music, design, and film, making it simpler for creators to produce, market, and sell their works. Overall, computer science has been extremely important in creating our contemporary reality.

The Lag in Computer Education in Schools

The integration of computer science education into schools has been hindered by several factors. One of the main reasons is the lack of curriculum integration, as computer science is often treated as an optional or extracurricular activity rather than an essential part of the curriculum (Barr, Harrison, & Conery, 2011). Additionally, many teachers are not adequately trained in computer science, which makes it challenging for them to effectively teach the subject (European Schoolnet, 2016). Limited resources, such as computers, software, and infrastructure, also pose a barrier to providing comprehensive computer science education (Means, Bakia, & Murphy, 2014). Furthermore, the perceived difficulty of the subject contributes to a lack of confidence among both educators and students. Overcoming these obstacles is crucial to ensuring that students are prepared for the increasingly digital and technology-driven world they will encounter.

How can STEM education change 'this picture'?

Computer science is a part of STEM education, which has the potential to change the way that schools operate today. STEM education prepares students for success by giving them the skills they need for the 21st-century industry. Numerous tactics can be used to emphasize the significance of computer science to parents, administrators, and instructors. Computer science, in particular, plays a significant role in STEM-related areas. To raise awareness, I would first point out the growing need for computer science abilities in the workforce (European Schoolnet, 2016) as one of the techniques I would use to persuade parents, administrators, and fellow teachers of this. Stakeholders can better grasp the relevance and importance of computer science education by providing real-world implications and success stories. Second, I would demonstrate to them the advantages of teaching computer science to students, including how it may foster their ability to think critically, solve problems creatively, and effectively use technology (Guzdial & Reed, 2012). Resources can be overcome by making computer science education accessible by incorporating it into the curriculum or by employing online and blended learning options (European Schoolnet, 2016; Means). Last but not least, I would suggest that educators take advantage of professional development opportunities to improve their knowledge of computer science and their ability to instruct students, which will increase their comfort level when explaining computer science ideas (National Research Council, 2012).

By implementing these strategies, STEM education, with a focus on computer science, can drive positive change in education and empower students for the digital age. We can effectively persuade parents, administrators, and peer teachers about its significance, ensuring equal opportunities for all students to acquire the skills necessary for success in the 21st-century economy. By fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential in an era of rapidly changing technology, STEM education, with a focus on computer science, creates transformative improvements (Barr et al., 2011). It gives students the skills they need to apply their knowledge to problems in the real world, promoting relevance and knowledge retention. Additionally, STEM education cultivates a lifelong passion for learning, a crucial trait in navigating today's dynamic world. Through these avenues, STEM education can revolutionize education and empower students to thrive in the modern workforce.

Thus, if we want to prepare our students for the future, we need to give them the skills they need to succeed in the 21st-century economy. STEM education is the key to doing this (European Schoolnet, 2016).

 

References

Barr, D., Harrison, J., & Conery, L. (2011). Computational thinking: A digital age skill for everyone. Learning & Leading with Technology, 38(6), 20-23. Retrieved from https://www.iste.org/docs/excerpts/COMPTHINK-excerpt.pdf

European Schoolnet. (2016, November). ICT in STEM education - impacts and challenges: setting the scene. STEM Alliance. Retrieved from http://www.stemalliance.eu/documents/99712/104016/STEM_Alliance_ICT-in-STEM-Edu-Setting_the_Scene_Nov2016.pdf/4d276d53-b339-4955-a7fb-e162dfeaf5a8

Guzdial, M., & Reed, D. (2012, April). The power of computing; design guidelines in CS education. Communications of the ACM, 55(4), 8–9. https://doi.org/10.1145/2133806.2133809

Means, B., Bakia, M., & Murphy, R. (2014). Learning online: What research tells us about whether, when, and how. Choice Reviews Online, 52(03), 52–1542. https://doi.org/10.5860/choice.185227

National Academy of Engineering. (2012). A framework for K-12 science education: Practices, crosscutting concepts, and core ideas. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/13165

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2018). Assessing and responding to the growth of computer science undergraduate enrollments. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/24926