Modern society gives great importance to scientific and technological literacy, development of “21st century skills,” and creating individuals who are not passive users of ICT tools but active thinkers and even tinkerers. The learning process is thus constantly evolving to facilitate the acquisition of such skills, such as setting goals and making evidence-based decisions, thinking critically, and solving problems while efficiently managing time as well as using technology, cooperating ethically, and communicating effectively. STEAM is the approach to learning that uses concepts from natural sciences, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to foster critical thinking, computational and design thinking, as well working effectively together, mimicking the process followed by scientists. The end goal is engaged and motivated students who participate in experiential and inquiry-based learning in fun, immersive environments that facilitate learning through a creative process. The Handbook of Research on Integrating ICTs in STEAM Education includes current research focusing on the development of STEAM and ICT educational practices, tools, workflows, and frames of operation that encourage science skills, but also skills related to the arts and humanities such as creativity, imagination, and reflection on ethical implications. Covering topics such as early childhood education, machine learning education, educational robotics, and web-based simulations, this major reference work is an essential resource for engineers, educators of both K-12 and higher education, education administration, libraries, pre-service teachers, computer scientists, researchers, and academics.

In recent years, the traditional way of teaching has been substituted by online teaching. Teachers have had to think about efficient and effective teaching methods and activities in online delivery that can keep students interested and engaged. It is important to examine teacher cognition and its relevance to classroom management and teaching practice as the role of technology in teaching and learning cannot be overestimated. The Handbook of Research on Teacher and Student Perspectives on the Digital Turn in Education examines the cognitions of teachers and students, their attitudes and perceptions regarding online teaching, and their personal experiences and challenges regarding the use of online platforms and digital tools. This book discusses the implementation of digital technologies in primary, secondary, and tertiary education that facilitates the learning and teaching process and creates a student-centered environment. Covering topics such as digital literacy, student engagement, and pedagogy, this reference work is an essential resource for practitioners, scholars, administrators, policymakers, researchers, academicians, instructors, and students.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, learners of all ages have had to quickly adapt to learning through digital media as traditional ways of teaching become obsolete. Educators did not have a clear digital strategy in mind before the COVID-19 pandemic as they primarily relied on these traditional ways of teaching and disseminating knowledge. As phygital learning opportunities are emerging thanks to the growing EdTech economy, educators now have the opportunity to reform the school system, bringing in more innovation while reducing costs, broadening access to resources, and improving the quality of the teaching provision. EdTech Economy and the Transformation of Education is a cutting-edge reference that examines successful digital transformation in educational settings as well as the tools available to do so and the competencies and skills needed for the future. The book paves the way for phygital or blended long-term solutions. Covering a range of topics such as online education, learning processes, and digital transformation, this reference work is ideal for researchers, administrators, policymakers, academicians, practitioners, scholars, instructors, and students.

The Handbook of Research on STEM Education represents a groundbreaking and comprehensive synthesis of research and presentation of policy within the realm of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. What distinguishes this Handbook from others is the nature of integration of the disciplines that is the founding premise for the work – all chapters in this book speak directly to the integration of STEM, rather than discussion of research within the individual content areas. The Handbook of Research on STEM Education explores the most pressing areas of STEM within an international context. Divided into six sections, the authors cover topics including: the nature of STEM, STEM learning, STEM pedagogy, curriculum and assessment, critical issues in STEM, STEM teacher education, and STEM policy and reform. The Handbook utilizes the lens of equity and access by focusing on STEM literacy, early childhood STEM, learners with disabilities, informal STEM, socio-scientific issues, race-related factors, gender equity, cultural-relevancy, and parental involvement. Additionally, discussion of STEM education policy in a variety of countries is included, as well as a focus on engaging business/industry and teachers in advocacy for STEM education. The Handbook’s 37 chapters provide a deep and meaningful landscape of the implementation of STEM over the past two decades. As such, the findings that are presented within provide the reader with clear directions for future research into effective practice and supports for integrated STEM, which are grounded in the literature to date.

This forward-thinking Handbook provides a thorough and comprehensive guide on the positive prospects for public management and governance across the African continent. Exploring best practices learned by public management and governments in the region, this book examines Africa’s ability to leapfrog developed nations in the adoption and adaptation of managerial models, techniques and applications for government.

This book examines the push and pull of factors contributing to and constraining conversion of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education programs into STEAM (science, technology, engineering, math and arts) education programs. The chapters in this book offer thought-provoking examples, theory, and suggestions about the advantages, methods and challenges involved in making STEM to STEAM conversions, at levels ranging from K12 through graduate university programs. A large driving force for STEM-to-STEAM conversions is the emerging awareness that the scientific workforce finds itself less than ideally prepared when engaging with so-called ‘wicked problems’ – the complex suite of emerging, multifaceted issues such as global climate change, social injustice, and pandemic diseases. Dealing with these issues requires cross-disciplinary expertise and the ability to insert technical and scientific understanding effectively into areas of public planning and policy. The different models and possibilities for STEAM, as the next phase of the STEM revolution, laid out in this book will promote research and further our understanding of STEAM as a forward-thinking approach to education. Gillian Roehrig, STEM Education, University of Minnesota, USA The ideal teacher sees opportunities for integrating ideas from multiple disciplines into every lesson. This book offers many worthwhile suggestions on how to do that deliberately and systematically George DeBoer, Project 2061 of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, USA For the last several years, calls for expanding STEM education have grown, but so too have concerns about technocratic approaches to STEM. This volume challenges the community to consider broader views on STEM by focusing on the place of arts education within this movement. The chapters offer much needed, new perspectives on the (re)integration of the arts and sciences Troy Sadler, School of Education, University of North Carolina, USA

The role of technology in educational settings has become increasingly prominent in recent years. When utilized effectively, these tools provide a higher quality of learning for students. Optimizing STEM Education With Advanced ICTs and Simulations is an innovative reference source for the latest scholarly research on the integration of digital tools for enhanced STEM-based learning environments. Highlighting a range of pivotal topics such as mobile games, virtual labs, and participatory simulations, this publication is ideally designed for educators, professionals, academics, and students seeking material on emerging educational technologies.