Using edtech to deliver a rich STEM curriculum

Technology is constantly evolving, and more jobs and careers are heading towards the likes of science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), engaging pupils from a young age to take an interest in these essential sectors and subject areas are becoming an increased focus within education. It is more essential for students to have a deeper understanding of scientific and technological subjects now than ever before.

STEM subjects have always had an importance within culture, but traditionally the drive has come from STEM clubs and the dropout rate of girls, in particular, has been high. In recent years focus has shifted dramatically to make these subjects more attractive and engaging for all students.

Despite the negative headlines regarding the educational funding crisis, teacher workload and teacher retention rates, there are members of the education community who are more passionate than ever to deliver an enriching curriculum with the help of edtech, that aims to better prepare students for a future within the STEM sectors and try to engage students at all levels.

STEM subjects have always had an importance within culture, but traditionally the drive has come from STEM clubs and the dropout rate of girls, in particular, has been high.

Willowtown Primary School

In an effort to improve the delivery of a STEM curriculum, Willowtown Primary School in the urban valleys of South Wales understood the importance of using edtech in assisting to engage pupils in lessons and encouraging and developing a STEM culture within the school. After successfully managing to secure funding from the Welsh government to go towards the implementation of new technology within the school, they were able to purchase the latest Promethean ActivPanel.

The ActivPanel opened up a world of opportunity for Willowtown Primary and helped to turn its visions and aspirations into a reality. With the ability to transform the classroom into an immersive and collaborative environment at its finger tips, Willowtown began utilising the technology available to deliver excellence in STEM, and here’s how:

Apps

The Promethean ActivPanel, with access to the Andriod App Store, enables teachers and students to utilise an incredible amount of resources with the touch of a finger. For example, when learning about the anatomy, apps available on the panel can bring up a 3D skeleton of the human body, allowing students to select different body parts or bones and find out further information.

Mirroring

Many schools in recent years have made an investment into tablet devices within the classroom to help engage students, encourage collaboration and help to familiarise students with technology. The ability to cast from the hand-held tablet devices to the ActivPanel helps to engage the entire class, as well as offering the opportunity to peer-assess work.

The ability to cast from the hand-held tablet devices to the ActivPanel helps to engage the entire class, as well as offering the opportunity to peer-assess work.

Connectivity

The ActivPanel has dramatically helped Willowtown Primary School to inspire creativity within STEM lessons. The ActivPanel’s ability to connect to other devices in the classroom is just one way students are learning to better understand modern technology. By connecting the ActivPanel to the 3D printers within the school, students are able to design and create cubed structures to learn more about engineering.

Edtech has the potential to enrich the curriculum and engage students in subjects that have historically been defined as difficult or boring. Having access to appropriate training to ensure you are getting the most out of your technological investment, and being passionate about sharing best practice techniques is just one way to help inspire students and other educational leaders to engage with edtech and STEM in lessons.