Learning With UMI Technologies - Finnish Experiences On International Classroom Study

The study investigates the effect of UMI-technologies on pupils’ interest in STEM education and STEM related careers. UMI is the abbreviation of Ubiquitous Computing, Mobile Computing, and Internet of Things. The study involved ca. 600 13 – 16 years of age pupils in five countries (Finland, Greece, Ireland, Italy, and Norway). The data was gathered in an online questionnaire developed in the study and the data was analyzed statistically in SPSS. This study focus on findings in the Finnish case. The descriptive findings show that new technological solutions do not self-evidently support interest growth in STEM education and STEM careers, but may operate as a basis for it. Especially the practical technical problems generate frustration and decrease the interest towards STEM learning which in turn effects on their generic views on technology emphasized teaching, learning, and careers. It seems that there is a delicate balance on when the practical technical challenges motivate and endorse the learner to try more and when they demotivate and cause frustration. Based on the experience gained in this study, the practical technical challenges related to the introduction of new ICT solutions in education needs to be noted and should not be anticipated. More study is needed in the field