Discovery Space: A Technology-Enhanced Classroom for Deeper Learning in STEM

Abstract

Traditional assessments of cognitive skills (in general) and knowledge acquisition (in specific) are in place in most educational systems. Though not in line with innovative and multidisciplinary curricula as proposed by current reforms, they require in-depth understanding and authentic application. This divergence must be addressed if STEM education is to become a fulfilling learning experience and an essential part of the core education paradigm everywhere. An alternative approach for assessment offers Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools designed to continuously monitor the individual progress, provide targeted feedback, and assess the student’s mastery. All this information might be collated throughout a student’s time in formal (and in some cases in informal or non-formal) educational settings. While the use of AI-driven continuous assessment offers a replacement of high-stakes stop-and-test examinations, its application needs to take into consideration its benefits and challenges. These applications (AI-enabled adaptive and continuous assessment) have been heralded as constituting a “fourth education revolution.” However, concerns include challenges regarding their effective integration into educational practice, the lack of robust evidence for their efficacy and potential impact on teachers’ roles. In this chapter, we present our vision based on long-lasting experience in employing ICT-based innovations in education. Our roadmap for the AI-enhanced classroom for deeper learning in STEM is supposed to facilitate the transformation of the traditional classroom to an environment to promote scientific exploration and support the development of key skills for all students. We describe the findings from a large-scale foresight research exercise that increases the understanding of the potential, opportunities, barriers, and risks of using emerging technologies (AI-enabled assessment systems combined with AR/VR interfaces) for STEM teaching. Our approach builds upon the extended use of an Exploratory Learning Environment that has been designed to facilitate students’ inquiry and problem-solving while they are working with virtual and remote labs. By enabling this platform with AI-driven lifelong learning companions to provide support and guidance we intend to enhance learning experiences, facilitate collaboration, and support problem-solving. The provision of elaborated Good Practice Scenarios may adjust options for learners of quite different achievement levels and equip them with the skills necessary for the use of technology in creative, critical, and inclusive ways.