STEM-ICT 3D Project
Students reverse roles and teach their teachers how to use Google Sketch-Up.
STEM-ICT 3D incorporates a series of activities that provide an engaging, safe environment for middle school students and teachers to explore STEM concepts within 3D immersive virtual worlds. Sixth grade teachers nominate rising 7th grade students to attend face-to-face workshops in the summer. During the first week of the STEM-ICT 3D Summer Academy, the students learn 3D virtual world modeling and design using Google Sketch-up and Teleplace. Seventh grade teachers then join their students during the second week of the summer workshops at which time students serve as the technical experts while the teachers learn the pedagogy for using 3D virtual worlds. Teachers and students collaboratively develop a STEM-based learning project for use in a 3D immersive virtual environment. After the Summer Academy, students and teachers return to their respective schools and implement their projects during the academic school year. Utilizing the learning communities formed during the summer workshop, both students and teachers mentor each other during the implementation process. University faculty and other experts are active participants in the community and provide assistance as needed.
How can 3D immersive virtual world technology be implemented in middle schools for instruction in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)? Can the use of these environments influence students to pursue careers in STEM? STEM and ICT Instructional Worlds: The 3D Experience (STEM-ICT 3D) is funded by the National Science Foundation Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) program. The project is intended to inspire middle school students to pursue studies and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics - particularly information and communication technology (ICT) fields - as well as prepare students with the skills necessary to succeed in STEM education and careers. The project proposes to translate the success of an earlier pilot and reach out towards a model that can be replicated in other middle schools over time. The initiative is being implemented by the Virtual World Consortium composed of Appalachian State University and Clemson University in partnership with Davie, Catawba, and Ashe County Schools in North Carolina, Oconee and Pickens County Schools in South Carolina, the Appalachian State University Mathematics and Science Education Center (MSEC), the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources (NC DENR), and Teleplace.
Students working in Teleplace
Notable results of the project to date include the following:
- Twenty-four teachers and students from NC and SC were successfully recruited and participated in the 2009 Summer Academy;
- Twenty-four teachers and students, 3 mentor teachers, and 5 mentor students have been recruited to participate in the 2010 Summer Academy;
- Significant increases noted from pre- to post-test results on the Attitudes of Middle School Students Towards STEM Survey in comfort level with technology and that math classes were preparing students for an engineering major;
- There is greater student interest in STEM;
- Teachers expressed positive experiences working with the students and perceived teaching in 3D immersive virtual environments as an engaging, valuable teaching tool.
STEM-ICT 3D is a continuing grant which has been approved for $1,499,368 in funding for three years. Learn more at:
** STEM-ICT 3D is supported by the National Science Foundation Information Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) Program (Grant #0833552).
