Kathy considered technology integration the most difficult part of STEM integration. Like Nate, Kathy mostly
referred to technology as computers and on-line tools.
Due to her students’ lacking abilities and limited school
technology resources, technology was equal to computers
and on-line tools in Kathy’s STEM integration unit,
although it was evident that she knew it was more than
that. She stated, ‘‘I was surprised to see my students didn’t
know how to use computers properly to do on-line
research. I wish to use more technology [in my classes].
We only have 3 computer labs and need to share labs with
all the students in school. I would like to be able to use
laptops, and use on-line [applications] a little bit more.’’
She thought the STEM professional development program reinforced her beliefs about STEM integration,
particularly the problem solving piece. However, she also
believed that if students have more background knowledge
before they come to a STEM classroom, students might
learn more in applying problem solving. Therefore, if it
were possible, she would like to flip the curriculum a little
bit, such as teaching more content knowledge before asking
students to apply problem solving. She said, ‘‘It will be
really cool if kids have more background knowledge to do
problem solving, such as more science and mathematics
content knowledge. They will catch it right away like, ‘I
know what I am doing.’’’