From TV to AI: Evolving Challenges and Enduring Questions in STEM Education
摘要
This commentary, written in celebration of the Canadian Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology Education’s 25th anniversary, reflects on the evolving role of technology in STEM education and the challenges facing educators today. Drawing inspiration from historical uses of television in classrooms and the rise of AI-powered tools, I argue that technology alone will not transform learning; rather, its deliberate integration by skilled teachers is essential. I highlight three interconnected issues: the evolving nature of what counts as “traditional” STEM knowledge and skills; the need for deliberate pedagogical thinking with technology to foster student engagement; and the potential of modern educational technologies, including AI, to support personalized learning for diverse student populations. While these reflections raise more questions than they resolve, articulating these challenges is a necessary step toward advancing meaningful and inclusive STEM education and preparing educators to guide students in an increasingly digital world.