The objective of this paper was to suggest a design for a platform solution that consolidates the delivery, funding and use of nonformal educational services and products. The contribution of STEM nonformal education to shaping the future of the field is significant, providing practical learning opportunities that help young people develop an early interest in science and technology career opportunities. For this, the authors mapped the current state of the sector in Estonia, including relevant regulations and frameworks, identified evolving needs in the demand and supply of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and ICT nonformal education (hereinafter referred as STEM nonformal education), specified business and user requirements and proposed a potential architecture and design for the platform solution. The study included sector mapping and needs analysis, focusing on designing a business platform by conducting a SWOT analysis, applying the Lean Canvas approach, creating business architecture and processes, developing user personas and journey maps, and prioritizing functional and non-functional requirements. Potential biases were addressed through stakeholder engagement and thorough risk assessment. When developed accordingly, the platform will benefit all parties—funders, learners, parents, and service providers—by ensuring transparency in funding and increasing the accessibility to activities for learners. The proposed solution may also be expandable to other activity domains, as well as related services and funding areas like educational software and student competitions, bringing together user-centric analytics based on the interests and needs of end-users. This paper is based on a master's thesis at Tallinn University of Technology.

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Development of a Platform for Nonformal Education Services: A Case Study in the Field of STEM in Estonia

  • Kristel Rillo,
  • Birgy Lorenz

摘要

The objective of this paper was to suggest a design for a platform solution that consolidates the delivery, funding and use of nonformal educational services and products. The contribution of STEM nonformal education to shaping the future of the field is significant, providing practical learning opportunities that help young people develop an early interest in science and technology career opportunities. For this, the authors mapped the current state of the sector in Estonia, including relevant regulations and frameworks, identified evolving needs in the demand and supply of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and ICT nonformal education (hereinafter referred as STEM nonformal education), specified business and user requirements and proposed a potential architecture and design for the platform solution. The study included sector mapping and needs analysis, focusing on designing a business platform by conducting a SWOT analysis, applying the Lean Canvas approach, creating business architecture and processes, developing user personas and journey maps, and prioritizing functional and non-functional requirements. Potential biases were addressed through stakeholder engagement and thorough risk assessment. When developed accordingly, the platform will benefit all parties—funders, learners, parents, and service providers—by ensuring transparency in funding and increasing the accessibility to activities for learners. The proposed solution may also be expandable to other activity domains, as well as related services and funding areas like educational software and student competitions, bringing together user-centric analytics based on the interests and needs of end-users. This paper is based on a master's thesis at Tallinn University of Technology.