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Affordances of Technology for Sustainability-Oriented K–12 Informal Engineering Education

Author

Listed:
  • Mobina Beheshti

    (Department of Engineering, Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA)

  • Sheikh Ahmad Shah

    (Department of Teaching, Curriculum & Society, Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA)

  • Helen Zhang

    (Department of Teaching, Curriculum & Society, Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA)

  • Michael Barnett

    (Department of Teaching, Curriculum & Society, Lynch School of Education and Human Development, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA)

  • Avneet Hira

    (Department of Engineering, Morrissey College of Arts and Sciences, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467, USA)

Abstract

The need for sustainability-oriented K–12 engineering education that expands beyond the classroom and the increased accessibility of educational technologies create an opportunity for examining the affordances of educational technologies in low-stakes informal engineering education settings. In this paper, we share our experiences of using novel technologies to develop sustainability-oriented mental models in K–12 informal engineering education. Through the use of technologies including Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), Minecraft video games, Tinkercad (browser-based application for computer-aided design (CAD)), and physical computing, we have designed and tested approaches to introduce students to engineering design and engineering habits of mind with an overarching theme of developing sustainability-oriented mental models among K–12 youth in informal engineering education spaces. In this paper, we share our approaches, and lessons learned, and outline directions for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Mobina Beheshti & Sheikh Ahmad Shah & Helen Zhang & Michael Barnett & Avneet Hira, 2024. "Affordances of Technology for Sustainability-Oriented K–12 Informal Engineering Education," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(16), pages 1-27, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:16:p:6719-:d:1450797
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jennifer R. Pollard & Jessica Ostrow Michel & Adam C. Simon & Mike Shriberg, 2023. "Team-Teaching as a Promising Pathway toward Interdisciplinary Sustainability Competency Development," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(15), pages 1-19, July.
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