Pahang, Malaysia – August 18th 2023
An innovative workshop titled “Empowering the Future: Digital Making Skill Sets in STEM Education” was recently held in Pahang, drawing together educators from across the region to delve into the dynamic realm of digital making in education. This collaborative initiative brought together the UMP STEM Lab, the faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah, Pahang State Education Department, Eureka Robotics, Cardiff Metropolitan University, and the British Council. With a robust attendance of 72 teachers representing various educational institutions in Pahang, the workshop stood as a catalyst for promoting innovative teaching practices within the STEM domain.
Prior to the seminar, a series of preparatory workshops delivered by the UMP STEM Lab. These workshops cantered around mBlock and Python programming and were thoughtfully tailored to cater to primary, secondary school children, and vocational college students. A unique microcredential approach was adopted, delving deep into programming techniques essential for digital proficiency. The workshops employed a project-based learning methodology, allowing students to craft their projects while concurrently immersing themselves in programming syntax and concepts. This hands-on engagement not only empowered students with practical skills but also nurtured a profound understanding of programming principles.
A highlight of the event was the keynote address by Professor Esyin Chew, a respected academic and Reader from Eureka Robotics at Cardiff Metropolitan University. Her presentation, titled “Education and AI,” dived into the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence in reshaping education. Professor Chew eloquently illustrated the convergence of technology and pedagogy, advocating for educators to harness AI to optimize learning experiences. Her address sparked animated discussions on integrating AI into digital making education, prompting new perspectives and ideas among participants.
The key aspect of the workshop lay in its roundtable discussions among teachers, with each session having its thematic focus. The “Challenges in Teaching Digital Making Skill Sets” session saw educators candidly sharing their personal experiences and insights. Discussion prompts ignited conversations about hurdles faced when teaching digital making within the STEM curriculum. Conversations ranged from catering to diverse student skill levels and interests, to surmounting barriers in accessing essential resources and technology. Strategies for harmonizing traditional teaching methods with modern, technology-driven approaches were explored, along with insights into engaging initially hesitant students.
In the subsequent session, “Best Practices in Teaching Digital Making Skill Sets,” educators enthusiastically engaged in sharing their most effective teaching methods. Success stories emerged, showcasing projects that seamlessly amalgamated digital making and active student participation. The incorporation of real-world applications and problem-solving strategies was discussed, highlighting the practicality of the skills taught. Collaborative learning and teamwork’s role in enhancing the learning experience was a significant aspect, as was the discussion on assessment and feedback methods.
As the workshop moved into the final phase, “Way Forward in Teaching Digital Making Skill Sets,” educators looked ahead to the future of digital making education. Emerging technologies and trends predicted to significantly shape the digital making landscape were discussed, providing invaluable insights for evolving teaching methods. Professional development’s pivotal role in equipping educators with the necessary digital making skills was deliberated, along with the potential of partnerships and collaborations to enrich students’ digital making experiences. The criticality of schools providing requisite infrastructure and resources for effective digital making education was underscored, alongside exploring avenues beyond the classroom where digital making skills could be practically applied.
Also present in the workshop are Tn Mohammad Dzulkhairy bin Abdul Rahman, Senior Deputy Director (TVET), Pahang State Education Department and Professor Madya Dr Hamdan Bin Daniyal, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah.
The workshop concluded with educators sharing their visions of an ideal future, one where digital making seamlessly integrates into STEM education. The event’s resounding success was evidenced by the enthusiastic participation of teachers from various educational institutions in Pahang. The collaboration among the Pahang State Education Department, Eureka Robotics, Cardiff Metropolitan University, and the British Council echoed a shared commitment to nurturing students’ digital fluency and creative problem-solving capabilities.
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, this workshop stood as a testament to the dedication of Pahang’s educators in preparing their students for a future that demands digital agility. Through collective collaboration and a shared vision, the workshop laid the groundwork for a transformative shift in STEM education, empowering both educators and students to harness the vast potential of digital making, setting a promising trajectory for generations to come.