Increasing students’ confidence in their technological ability has been found to have a broader impact on their content knowledge in several subject areas, but most strikingly, in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). A sample of 513 students in grades 6 through 12 in the New York City public school system were questioned on their perceived technological ability after participating in The Curriculum and Community Environmental Restoration Science (STEM + Computer Science) Project, hereafter referred to as the CCERS STEM + C Project. Also explored was the students’ access to technology to determine if this would be a factor in student self-efficacy in technology ability. Analysis revealed that science self-efficacy and technology ability were both strengthened through participation in the project. Additionally, the study found that working alongside STEM professionals and exposure to STEM careers were also contributing factors. The study aims to determine if increased access to technology would, in turn, increase students’ self-efficacy in their technology knowledge and skills and have a positive effect on their self-confidence in STEM content. The results of the study contribute to the body of research that suggests greater access to technology may be an important factor in students’ self-agency and academic achievement.
This content will become publicly available on January 24, 2025
Students’ Self-Efficacy and Confidence in Technological Abilities Resulting from Participation in “The Curriculum and Community Environmental Restoration Science (STEM + Computer Science)”
The rationale for this research is the ever-increasing reliance on technology in all aspects of life, but especially in the realm of education. Technology tools, use, and approaches that support inclusive student learning are supported by the empirical evidence found in this report. The research emphasized self-efficacy levels achieved in the student learning of technology-supported integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The Curriculum and Community Environmental Restoration Science STEM + Computer Science (CCERS) makes use of web-based authentic STEM content, providing interactive technology on a dynamic environmental science platform and providing real-world environmental conundrums. Results of this study indicate that CCERS respondents have higher confidence in their technological abilities than those of the non-CCERS respondents. In addition, under-represented groups (URG) CCERS respondents, on average, have higher confidence in their technological abilities than URG non-CCERS respondents. This suggests that CCERS has a positive impact on participants' confidence in their technological abilities, a key indicator in pursuing STEM careers. This study provides practical implications for current and future research in technology-supported learning in integrated STEM learning environments and student outcomes.
more » « less- Award ID(s):
- 1839656
- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10495942
- Publisher / Repository:
- Journal of Curriculum and Teaching
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Journal of Curriculum and Teaching
- Volume:
- 13
- Issue:
- 1
- ISSN:
- 1927-2677
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 24
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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