Effects of Coronavirus Pandemic Spread on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education in Higher Learning Institutions
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Date
2021
Authors
Mambo, Shadrack Maina
Omusilibwa, Fidel Makatia
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IEEE
Abstract
The traditional pedagogical methods of delivering
content for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
(STEM) related subjects have been shaken to their core. Normal
delivery under ideal conditions was a face to face approach with
the tutor in front of the class. Practical subjects that have
laboratory exercises are carried out in the designated laboratory
areas with the assistance of technicians or technologists. With the
advent of coronavirus pandemic, where isolation and social
distancing has been implemented to stop its spread and
transmission, these modes of content delivery are not feasible. To
fill in the gap and ensure the much needed STEM education
continues despite the fear of coronavirus pandemic spread, online
delivery mode of various subjects offered has been adopted. This
is done using such platforms as Learning Management System,
Zoom Meeting and Google Scholar. However, solving the problem
of practical laboratory exercises requires much more than online
teaching. This paper proposes the use of virtual reality, simulation
and modeling platforms as a substitute of face to face laboratory
exercises in training STEM related subjects, especially in
institutions of higher learning in developing countries. Pre-
recorded versions of practical experiments will be offered to
students and related assignments given for practice purposes.
Short webinars with details recorded will guide recipients in
carrying out experiments without the need for neither technicians
nor technologists. The students will then be able to attend the
laboratory session virtually and submit the required reports.
Several other types of content deliver exist and a combination of
them can also be used depending on the areas to be covered. The
exploitation of the suggested content delivery will resolve change
of the attitude in learning behavior, thereby ensuring high quality
and effective understanding of the subject area.
Description
Article
Keywords
STEM Education, Content Delivery, Online Teaching, Practical Exercise
Citation
Mambo, S. M., & Omusilibwa, F. M. (2020, November). Effects of coronavirus pandemic spread on science, technology, engineering and mathematics education in higher learning institutions. In 2020 IFEES World Engineering Education Forum-Global Engineering Deans Council (WEEF-GEDC) (pp. 1-4). IEEE.