Digital-enhanced learning for STEM & Math modules on TU Dublin’s Foundation Programmes

Email: nevan.bermingham@tudublin.ie

The TU Dublin Foundation Programmes (TU697, TU698, TU699) are a one-year programme designed to prepare and encourage greater participation in tertiary education by under-represented socioeconomic groups. This includes access and mature adults with low prior educational attainment (TU699). Similarly, International Foundation students (TU697 & TU698) tend to have language difficulties that can inhibit their learning and acculturation.

Due to socio-economic disadvantage, acculturation, low prior education attainment and digital poverty, progress rates in the STEM and Math areas on these programmes has been historically poor.

This Digital Transformation in Teaching and Learning Fellowship project will digitally enhance the learning on these STEM modules by:

1. Providing MicroBit [1] coding project kits for students in the 1st Semester of the Computer Science Module and Electronic Engineering Module to help them learn how to code and understand the principles of Electronic Engineering using immersive digital tools/devices. This will potentially involve 30 Computer Science Students and 40 Electronic Engineering Students across the three programmes.

2. Pilot VR headsets to create an immersive link between computational thinking, coding and mathematical development. VR would be introduced to the following areas/modules:

Math lecturers and Math tutorials will be delivered to engage and encourage students to work collectively to solve real world math-based problems in a fun environment using VR. Math is a compulsory subject, so this would cover every student on the three programmes and use a package like PRISM.
The Electronic Engineering Module will help students work in groups to solve simple virtual electronic and engineering problems. VR is the classroom would address this using tools like SHORT CIRCUIT VR. This will benefit approximately 40 students on the programme.