Technology is an ever-evolving medium that has become a crucial part of everyday life. It aims to make education and learning more accessible, efficient, and productive. STEM skills — Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics — are essential parts of any student’s education plan, and classes that focus on these skills require students to think more critically than ever.

Advancements in technology continue to open up doors for students who are pursuing a STEM-based education, and e-learning through a virtual high school helps them learn remotely. The right resources can foster dynamic and personal learning environments, with limitless potential as to their futures. Through these advancements, students can reap the benefits and further their education within and beyond STEM-based learning.

Providing New Opportunities

Author Ozcan E. Akgun describes technology’s connection to STEM learning as “an opportunity that fosters the teaching and learning process.” Beyond aspiring scientists and engineers, STEM-based learning offers essential tools for all students.

Success in STEM helps students develop critical thinking, analysis, and teambuilding skills. With technology, access to data is instant and offers a variety of tools from lectures to written material, to help them to better understand STEM concepts.

Self-Paced Learning 

Online study through a virtual high school such as Ontariovirtualschool.ca allows students to learn complex concepts at their own pace. Resources are available online around the clock to use as a reference. The topics surrounding STEM can be difficult to understand for many of them, so the use of technology and the 24/7 virtual resources available provide them with the opportunity to learn at a comfortable pace.

Those who may otherwise fall behind in a traditional learning setting can harness the technology available to them to practice as much as they need. At the same time, this allows those who want to challenge themselves further to do so with ease.

Finding A Future with Apps

We know technology is the future, so it’s no surprise that apps revolving around STEM are becoming increasingly popular among high school students. These interactive tech tools can help enhance the learning experience alongside e-learning. It’s a natural blend of mobile technology (which has become the norm for teenagers) with innovative learning.

Using apps to navigate these subjects can help spark their interest in STEM and potentially open up possibilities towards a future career. Parentmap event created a list of recommended STEM-based apps for middle and high school students.

Taking Advantage of Additional Tools

In addition to the more traditional tools available, there are a number of other online avenues to explore with e-learning.

Technology allows students to participate through dynamic representations; this refers to the concept of learning through digital models and simulations of mathematical, engineering, and scientific systems.

Online simulations offer them the opportunity to put what they’ve learned into practice in real-time. By utilizing supplementary learning tools, students can advance their learning beyond their class-based curriculum.

Tools like Gizmos can help students master these concepts through engaging simulations. Finding a virtual school that offers these simulations is the first step in ensuring that students have the tools they need to succeed.

With a resource like Gizmos, students and teachers have access to the latest educational experiments and lessons. Their interactive designs allow students to understand visualization, measuring, and graphing in a more in-depth way. They’ll learn about energy conversions, cell division, patterns, and fractions all in one convenient location.

These new tools provide them with an interactive, hands-on experience outside of the classroom. The way in which technology has begun to evolve around education promises open opportunities for current students and their instructors to approach learning in a new way. These types of experiences can help educators and students alike dive deeper into STEM concepts and experiment freely.

Breaking Down the Benefits of e-Learning

Remote learning is only becoming a more popular tool as we all adjust to the new normal. As more high school students become exposed to e-learning, they become attracted to the considerable list of benefits that come with it.

Inclusivity: The way information is conceived and digested is becoming more inclusive as we move to electronic classes. Students with unique learning abilities, comfort levels, and geographical locations can access the same quality of learning if they have access to the internet. This inclusiveness provides students with the same tools and opportunities as their peers, regardless of where they live.

Independent Learning: Web-based learning promotes independence in students. Unlike traditional classrooms, the limited interaction between students and teachers puts an emphasis on self-sufficient learning. With 24/7 access to these tools, they benefit from the flexibility provided to them.

Engagement: Additionally, the opportunity for engagement increases with technology. Curricula revolving around STEM often requires an interactive, hands-on approach. Combining this form of learning in a tech capacity offers the chance to expand the way students involve themselves. This could mean virtual group chat discussions, or even practicing their science experiments in a virtual lab.

Remote Work: When it comes to life after high school, technology has become increasingly important in the workforce. Students that have experienced e-learning will already understand what is needed to successfully transition into a remote job.

Environment: Let’s not forget the environmental impact of virtual education. Access to online learning tools, assignments, and textbooks eliminates the need for paper copies. Without the need for printers, the number of cartridges used decreases and thousands are saved from ending up in landfills. Fewer physical classes mean lower carbon emissions.

The world of technology, as rapidly changing as it may be, holds valuable tools for students to take advantage of during their time in high school in preparation for university-level STEM study.

Understanding STEM concepts in new and exciting ways builds on fundamental skills such as independence, problem-solving, and communication. Parents and teachers can begin to see the changes as students adapt to the new resources available, growing as learners and opening up more doors to their futures. With technology leading curriculum development, there’s no end in sight to the possibilities for today’s students.