Characteristics and Recommendations for the Virtual Role Model Visit — Based on a Literature Review

Abstract

In recent years, several role-modelling initiatives have been testing and exploring the use of digital technologies to facilitate young people’s encounters with role models in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The aim of this article is twofold. Firstly, through a literature review, the article aims to provide an overview of how digital technologies have been used to facilitate the students’ encounters with STEM role models. The literature review shows how the use of digital technologies (1) enables scaling so that more young people can have access to role models, (2) enables the role models to show authentic work tasks and environments through virtual field visits, allowing pupils to closely examine the work processes in production companies, the laboratory, or in geographically remote locations, (3) opens up new opportunities for young people to interact and become involved, both through synchronous and asynchronous communication. The second aim of the article is to present, based on the knowledge gained from the literature study, a framework of eleven recommendations for the design of future virtual role model visits.