What is STEM-based learning?
STEM is a teaching approach that uses science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Kids are encouraged to apply their logical thinking, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, innovation, and project-based learning skills while learning through this approach.
Nowadays, education extends beyond the traditional learning method of using a blackboard and a marker. Technology helps teachers grade assignments automatically and personalise education for learners. AI is one such application of technology that helps students learn. What is AI in the first place, and how is it applied in STEM? Let’s explore.
What is AI?
Artificial intelligence refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines, who mimic the actions similar to that of a human. For example, in education, AI can help personalise education for students and grade tests for students.
Application of AI in STEM
- STEM problem development automation
There are problem sets of questions for an examination that need to be created for students. First, natural language processing (part of artificial intelligence) helps train an AI-based machine. Then, it can create questions similar to existing questions for STEM problem development automation.
- Adaptive Learning
Not all students have the same skill set and they do not learn at the same pace. This is where adaptive learning comes into the picture. This is where adaptive learning comes into the picture.
Adaptive learning refers to a form of learning where the content adapts according to the level of experience and the student’s skills. Hence, the customised learning plan helps the student learn the required concepts in the best possible way.
- Chatbots
A chatbot uses conversational artificial intelligence technology to interact with the user in the form of messages. There is a list of predefined questions, and when a user clicks on these questions, some predefined answers come up on the screen. For example, if a child has enrolled in a specific program, they can click on a particular question (the questions can be frequently asked questions). Then, the answers to these questions will come up. For example, the duration of the program, the program curriculum, and career opportunities that open up after completing a program are some examples of questions that parents/kids may want to know.
- Grading examinations
In a traditional education setup, the examination papers of each student are graded separately by teachers. However, when artificial intelligence comes into the picture, many question papers can be graded collectively and quickly, expediting the grading process. (This is especially true for MCQ style question papers where there are fixed responses to questions) It also helps remove teacher bias and ensures that students are graded similarly. For example, natural language processing capabilities help judge combinations of words and sentences and hence, based on the answers, teachers can determine whether the answers are right or wrong.
Based on the performance of the child, AI based assessments can help determine the next course of action (for example, determining whether the child should enrol in a beginners level program, intermediate level program, or an advanced level program).
- Learning Management Systems (LMS)
Tracking data about the student, their performance in assignments, and test scores manually is a challenging task. Here, artificial intelligence-based learning management systems (LMS) come into the picture.
Learning Management Systems (LMS) refers to software systems that track and report the progress of a student, like the assignments submitted, the scores on their performance tests, and other learning processes offered by a specific institution/course provider. These systems use AI to send students emails about their progress on assignments and generate reports based on student performance.
By reading this blog, we hope you’ve obtained a better understanding of what STEM-based learning is and the application of artificial intelligence in it.
Do you wish to enrol your kid in a STEM based education program? If you’d like to learn about the benefits of e-learning for kids, click here.
