ERIC Number: EJ1406908
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 19
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: EISSN-1309-517X
Exploring the Impact of 3D Printing Integration on STEM Attitudes in Elementary Schools
Contemporary Educational Technology, v15 n4 Article ep458 2023
This study explored how students and teachers perceived the interdisciplinary integration of 3D printing technology in teaching and learning within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) elementary schools and its relation to students' attitudes toward STEM careers. The study participants were 148 students and seven teachers from two elementary schools in the UAE. Technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge framework was used to guide the planning and integration of 3D printing into teaching and learning. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection tools were used to collect data from students and teachers. The data collection tools included a student's survey, teachers' interviews, and students' focus group interviews. The study's findings confirmed those of existing literature, which stressed the positive perceptions of students and teachers regarding the interdisciplinary integration of 3D printing technology in teaching and learning. Furthermore, students' perception was positively correlated with students' attitudes toward STEM careers. However, the study found that teachers were more likely to implement 3D printing in their classrooms when they receive proper training on the pedagogical and technical aspects of 3D printing, and hence addressing the possible challenges of integrating this technology in teaching and learning.
Descriptors: Elementary School Students, STEM Education, Printing, Student Attitudes, Foreign Countries, Technology Uses in Education, Educational Technology, Design
Contemporary Educational Technology. Faculty of Communication Sciences, Anadolu University, Yunus Emre Campus, Eskisehir 26470, Turkey. e-mail: editor@cedtech.net; Web site: http://www.cedtech.net
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: N/A
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: United Arab Emirates
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A