In an effort to bring science and society together in Europe, and consequently increase the continent’s international competitiveness, STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) education must be more relatable to European youths to raise their interests and involvement in STEM careers. The overall objective of this project is to contribute to the increase in competitiveness of the European Union economy, oriented towards a wider European integration largely aimed at the Eastern European Neighbourhood, with results that will capacitate young people from ages 10 to 18 to become highly competent in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and be motivated to pursue scientific careers in the future.
To accomplish the overall objective STIMEY (Science, Technology, Innovation, Mathematics, Engineering for the Young) and its researchers and developers have developed a set of novel pedagogical approaches grasping a holistic vision of the challenges described above to offer an educational multichannel solution that integrates social media, social robots, broadcasting STEM radio, serious gaming, collaboration and creativity tools as well as individual responsibility of teachers, families, and children, into a complex educational platform that comprises multi-level components which aims to make STEM education more attractive to young people from age 10 to 18 years old. Universities, schools, teachers, students, parents, business and media partners come together to complete a circle in which STEM becomes a part of the daily life of youths through an educational portal that also prepares them for future careers.
The STIMEY Learning Environment (STIMEY LE) platform, combined:
- serious games, social media components and entrepreneurial tools (the present),
- robotic artefacts (the future),
- radio (the past)
to educate, engage and increase the youth’s interest in STEM education and careers. The platform, with individual e-portfolios, was designed to tap into the children’s curiosity and motivation from early childhood education until they embark on their own careers in STEM. While taking into account the specific needs of girls and boys, to be attracted and stay with STEM in a social collaborative environment with serious gaming and healthy competition among peers.
STIMEY LE novel educational platform provides teachers with the necessary modern tools to deliver STEM education in an attractive and engaging manner in-class, while also following up on students’ progress even outside of class. It also enables parents to keep track of their children’s progress, and easily communicate with their teachers to collaborate on the children’s development. Moreover, the open platform which was developed to allow businesses to invest in the development of children’s talents and skills in line with the economic and labour market needs through entrepreneurial tools, activities and competitions.
In summary, STIMEY LE development, based on extensive research, testing and European-wide collaboration, intends to revolutionize STEM education and bring it on par with the younger generation’s interests and expectations for a brighter Europe.
