Digitization of the student life cycle to promote under-represented groups in stem subjects

Abstract

A project to support underrepresented groups in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) subjects is being carried out at the Department of Computer Science at the Technical University of Nuremberg Georg Simon Ohm (TH GSO). This project intends to counteract the shortage of specialists in the STEM occupations by supporting underrepresented student groups (i.e. students with a migration background, from non-academic households, female students, and single parents) before, during and after their studies. To this end, digitization measures in STEM studies should be evaluated and carried out at the TH GSO Nuremberg. The entire life cycle plays a decisive role in this, starting with the choice of the students' course of study, through their university or college studies, to entry into the labor market, and is included in this research project. Specific digital prototypes will be developed as supporting measures. The identification of underrepresented groups of students in STEM subjects is the starting point of this project. At the beginning of the student life cycle, the identified groups should be provided with information about STEM fields to support their choices of study subjects. For this purpose, some digital advisory tools will be developed. To prevent them from breaking-off their studies, influencing factors have to be identified. Knowing these factors, an early-warning system will be developed. This system should identify students who are at risk of failing and propose supporting measures to them at an early stage. At the end of their studies, they should be assisted in their choice of a suitable job and in applying for jobs with digital tools.