A STEM Virtual Lab to Improve Girls’ Attitude Towards Technology

Abstract

The persistent gender gap in technology has prompted initiatives to attract girls to this area. While virtual labs are useful tools for facilitating STEM education, most approaches focus on specific STEM areas, such as chemistry or physics. This study proposes an integrated STEM approach to improve girls’ attitudes towards technology careers. The study involved the development and testing of a STEM virtual laboratory that allowed girls to experiment with technology components, apply engineering concepts, and use math to solve science-based exercises in one place. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires were used to assess attitudes towards different STEM areas. The results indicated that girls had a more positive attitude towards science compared to other STEM areas before the intervention. However, after the intervention, the girls in the intervention group had a significantly better attitude towards technology than the control group, and were also more inclined towards a technology career. These findings suggest that an integrated STEM approach could be beneficial for improving girls’ attitudes towards technology, while also improving perceptions towards other STEM topics. Although the study’s sample size was small, the findings provide preliminary evidence of the potential benefits of an integrated STEM approach for improving gender diversity in technology.