How Can Educators and Parents Make the Most of STEM Education in a Virtual World?

Teachers have faced difficulties transitioning to virtual and hybrid models, in some cases overnight. While students have lost access to school staples such as clubs, organizations, and sports, teachers have been tasked with adapting their entire curriculum to a fluctuating teaching model.

FREMONT, CA: Adapting to virtual learning is difficult for everyone involved, especially in STEM subjects requiring more classroom interaction. Students are increasingly requesting assistance from their parents and teachers. Here are some suggestions for enhancing support for STEM learners as they continue to navigate virtual learning.

Collect Student Feedback: Teachers are experts at establishing and maintaining a positive classroom culture; without a physical classroom, determining what works and what does not become more difficult. Teachers frequently lack sufficient time with students to comprehend their difficulties, and virtual learning necessitates more proactive outreach.

Make the Most of Time with the Teacher: Time spent in the classroom with students is extremely valuable in hybrid learning. This is even more critical when it comes to STEM subjects.

The importance of allocating classroom time to lessons require significant teacher input, such as labs and demonstrations. Thus, virtual sessions can be devoted to more self-directed learning or lectures.

Continue Experiments in the Field: Experimentation can be conducted at home or in the classroom, depending on the subject and age level. Teachers can assign safe experiments involving household staples, and parents can supervise their children during the experiment. Classics such as the baking soda volcano or soda bottle rocket can give virtual lessons a new lease of life.

Connect with the STEM Community: A slower economy means that work for many other professionals may be slow. Students and teachers can benefit from the opportunity to connect with professionals who can share their expertise and connect classroom lessons to real-world applications.

Get Involved, Parents: Classrooms are not the only locations where students can go virtual during a pandemic. Many parents will also work from home with offices closed for the foreseeable future. This presents them with an excellent opportunity to become more involved in their child's education. STEM degrees are not required in this position. Teachers are capable of handling the content. Parents can coach their children on the study skills and work ethic necessary for academic success.

Activities that Reintroduce Students to the Real World: Maintaining a student's interest at home is no easy task. While it can be challenging to replicate in-person experiences, virtual tools make it possible to participate in activities such as stargazing from the comfort of one's home.