Research Information System
Thesis Type: Doctorate
Institution Of The Thesis: Middle East Technical University, Faculty of Education, Department of Computer Education and Instructional Technology, Turkey
Approval Date: 2023
Thesis Language: English
Student: MUSTAFA ŞAT
Principal Supervisor (For Co-Supervisor Theses): Göknur Kaplan
Co-Supervisor: Kürşat Çağıltay
Abstract:
This study aims to explore the design principles for an e-textile-based STEAM training program, to examine the design, development, and usability issues of the STEAM activities, and to investigate the extent to which science teachers can apply STEAM training camp results in their courses. Design-based research was adopted for the study. After a few rounds of piloting with different samples, a STEAM module with seven hands-on activities was prepared and then applied to two independent groups of science teachers in two five-day-long camps: 20 and 19 teachers respectively. The primary data source, the interviews, was triangulated with observations, pre-and-post open-ended questions, survey data, and design artifacts. The qualitative inspection of the data resulted in five themes: experiences and opinions, perceived benefits, challenges, and transfer of camp learning and experiences. The study also provided design principles for STEAM activities. The study findings showed that teachers mostly grappled with crafting a project design with the artistic merits and values, designing a fully functioning circuit, doing short-circuiting, drawing a design sketch, making the transition from sketch to project design, and sewing an electronic circuit into the fabric. Moreover, teachers are fairly convinced that they can transfer skills and practical experiences of the camp into the classroom. Also, teachers suggested that interdisciplinary collaboration must be established not only in the preparation of the activities but also in the implementation process. Additionally, engaging in STEAM activities is perceived to induce the development of affective skills, authentic learning skills, cognitive skills, collaborative learning skills, creativity skills, and skills in fundamental subjects. Finally, the study presented a set of design guidelines for a STEAM educational camp.