Dissertation: Study Highlights Benefits of AI and IoT in STEM Classrooms and educational settings
Khaula Zeeshan’s dissertation explored the use of ChatGPT and other AI tools in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) in K12-education. In Finland K-12 education refers to early childhood education, basic education in grades 1 to 9 and upper secondary education.
The findings suggest that the use of AI tools can significantly benefit both teachers and students.
In her study Zeeshan highlights the rapid pace of digital transformation, impacting all areas of society, especially business and education.
“Emerging technologies like AI, IoT, AR, and VR are reshaping our world. The challenge is preparing the next generation with 21st-century skills,” she says and continues:
“In one part of the study we used ChatGPT to generate responses to various prompts. We asked how it could be used in teaching science, mathematics, and coding. After analyzing the responses, we created a framework to guide the use of ChatGPT in STEM classrooms,” Zeeshan says.
According to Zeeshan IoT enabled schools have the potential to improve management, teaching, and learning. Smart school systems can manage resources efficiently, reduce costs, and enhance the quality of education.
“For example, in mathematics class ChatGPT can help in understanding complex mathematical terms, creating interactive quizzes, and explaining scientific concepts. It also supports coding classes by assisting in debugging and in creating coding challenges. In science class ChatGPT can help in explaining scientific concepts and in lesson planning,” Zeeshan explains.
Zeeshan believes that integrating STEM and ICT education into K-12 school curricula can help develop essential 21st-century skills. These skills include problem-solving, creativity, communication, digital literacy, analytical and computational thinking, critical thinking, and understanding ethics and privacy in technology use.
“In this research I also argue for availability of quality education to all and propose an e-school framework for remote places in developing countries to teach out of school students with scarce educational resources,” Zeeshan says.
The e-school framework aims to provide basic education to students in remote areas with limited resources. By offering free internet, mobile devices, online study materials, and a feedback system we could help millions of out-of-school students access education.
According to Zeeshan, the skilled workforce for future digital economies can be developed through integrated STEM and ICT education.
“Due to fast technological advancements, many jobs will change shape or disappear, but new jobs will be created. It is essential that we will be able to teach students skills that are needed in the 21st century,” Zeeshan summarizes.
More information
Khaula Zeeshan
khzeesha@jyu.fi
Khaula Zeeshan defends her doctoral dissertation “Developing technology enabled Integrated STEM-IT education: Preparing Workforce for Next Generation Digital Economies” on 13.12.2024 at 1 pm.
Opponent is Associate Professor Janika Leoste (Tallinn University, Estonia) and custos is Professor Petri Ihantola (Ģֱ).
The dissertation can be followed in the lecture hall L303 or online.
The language of the dissertation is English.
Link to dissertation in jyx library:
