David Lee EdTech

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WuG9HqvnPyQ The scientific method and the engineering design process are the bedrock of STEM education. They provide the rigor and structure necessary for investigation. However, as we look at the complex landscape of the 21st century, we must acknowledge that real-world problems are rarely linear. They are messy, multifaceted, and deeply ambiguous. To truly prepare students, we must move beyond these established frameworks and integrate creative problem-solving approaches that embrace unconventional thinking. The Power of Design Thinking Design thinking is not just a process; it is a transdisciplinary mindset. As Li et al. (2019) noted, design thinking is vital to the current movement of implementing integrated STEM. It combines inquiry-based scaffolding with an innovation-friendly culture. At its heart, it is about bringing meaningful change to people’s lives. To move from theory to practice, students must adopt specific mindsets: ...

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VbrBg2aMkQ In a world increasingly defined by volatility and complexity (VUCA), how do we prepare students for an "uncertain and ambiguous" future? One of the key components of high-quality STEM learning is the integration of emerging technologies . But what exactly qualifies as an "emerging technology"? According to Rotolo et al. (2015), these are "radically novel and relatively fast-growing technologies characterized by a certain degree of coherence persisting over time." Their most significant impact lies in the future, making them crucial tools for navigating the unpredictability of our times. To help educators identify which technologies to incorporate into STEM experiences, I synthesized lists from MIT Technology Review, the World Economic Forum, the Future Today Institute, and the National Science and Technology Council. Here are the 8 central areas of emerging technology that are reshaping our world. 1. Artificial...

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTU2Ic7nECU When we talk about STEM education, we often focus on content knowledge or technical skills. But there is another crucial aspect that often determines a student's long-term success: STEM Identity . What is STEM identity? It is a person’s ability to “see themselves as the kind of people who could be legitimate participants in STEM through their interest, abilities, race, gender, and culture” (Hughes et al., 2013, p. 2). It goes beyond just getting an 'A' in math class; it is the ability to “imagine themselves fitting into this community of practice” (Carlone & Johnson, 2007). Defining STEM Identity Synthesizing the research, we can define STEM Identity as the self-perception of individuals as authentic participants in STEM, integrating their interests, abilities, and cultural background, and envisioning themselves as knowledgeable, active learners and contributors. What the Research Says So, how do we build this? Several stu...

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SvPdPaxiAVA To truly understand STEM practices, we must look beyond individual skills and view them through an integrated lens. This is the heart of "Situated STEM Learning" —the idea that understanding how to apply knowledge is just as important as the knowledge itself. But how do we visualize this integration? 1. The Pulley System Kelley and Knowles (2016) propose a "block and tackle" pulley framework. Imagine Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math as four separate pulleys. Together, they lift a heavy "load"—which is Situated STEM Learning (authentic, real-world problem solving). The "rope" connecting them represents the community of educators and students collaborating to make this lift happen. It reminds us that successful STEM requires a community working in harmony. 2. The Orchestra Another way to view this is through the metaphor of a grand orchestra. The Conductor: The student or professional wor...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aoZxs7BBlm0 This video shows the process I use (and mindset) to design project-based (PBL) learning experiences that are optimal for design thinking integration. Thank you so much for checking out this video. If you are interested in learning more please check the link below to receive free resources that can help you start on your journey of equipping your students with design thinking. Learn more about these experiences here: lpbeta.org/book Timestamp 0:35 Start with the Standards 1:81 Develop a Real World Context/Task 2:35 Develop a Learning Narrative 4:00 Develop a Learning Plan 4:56 Integrate Assessments You can watch these videos to learn more about the city plan project. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYyk4fLjIwR956i1EZWlFUIK8pc1G-HOr DT Unit Project Videos Designing Products and Services for Marketplace: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypOJ2yfRi1s Designing Festival Floats: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAlA-x-m0vQ ...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NFgvEVcPmRY Learn more about Design Thinking in education here: lpbeta.org/book