XII Congreso Internacional sobre Religi?n y Espiritualidad en la Sociedad

Abstract

Higher education provides plenty of opportunity for theory and even the ability to apply theory in the laboratory setting. However, students are left with limited opportunity to work on real-world and complex interdisciplinary challenges, which can result in turning people away from participating in STEM. Problem-based and project-based learning offers students the ability to apply theoretical concepts to hypothetical challenges as a way to better understand various frameworks and processes, such as design thinking. Even with problem-based and project-based learning, the learning outcomes generally focus more on the process and less on developing a ready-to-go solution. In addition, these projects tend to focus on creating value from the perspective of commercialization and less on developing solutions that positively impact society. One potential solution is the integration of digital civics into the higher education STEM classroom. Specifically, the project aims to leverage the U.S. Government sponsored VSFS internship program to evaluate the potential to increase student exposure to wicked challenges, provide students with methods to optimize interdisciplinary experiences, and, improve inclusion and access to STEM education.