CONTEMPORARY PRACTICE
Understanding
STEM and the role
of technology
STEM, a term receiving a great deal of attention
at all levels of education recently, relates to the
focus on the disciplines of Science, Technology,
Engineering and Mathematics. Contemporary
thinking and practice also explores the
relationship between science and ‘Arts’; often
expressed as STEAM. “Every day we have access to a variety of
technology tools such as tablets, cameras,
smart tables and robotics. With educators,
the children use these tools to conduct
research, experiment with coding, and
to aid and document their own learning
and development.”
KU Killara Park demonstrates how
integrating STEM into a high quality play-
based preschool program can enhance
children’s thinking and learning. In 2016
the preschool was awarded the coveted
Excellent rating under the National Quality
Standard, as a result of its specialisation in
the use of technology. Using STEM principles, educators combine
technology with real experiences to better
support the child’s inquisitive nature;
physics apps mixed together with real life
play using cogs and wheels. At KU Killara Park
children explore the outside environment in
all kinds of weather, wearing rain suits and
gum boots, or hats and sunscreen. Using
technology, these experiences quickly
evolve into ‘live’ research projects, with
devices used to investigate, record and
share the process.
“We use technology to provide opportunities
that traditional teaching methods don’t
allow,” then Preschool Director, Laure
Hislop, explains.
121st Annual Report 2016
Laure, who was the recipient of a 2016
NSW Premier’s Teacher Scholarship to
support her continued exploration of the
‘T’ in STEM, believes technology used
wisely can help develop children’s problem-
solving skills, team work, persistence and
perseverance. The learning process moved
from knowledge to understanding and
evaluating, creating and refining the
creation to make the creation better.
When using technology with children,
Laure recommends parents and educators
use the pause button! “Take the time to
pause and wonder together. It is all about
engaging with children; co-viewing,
co-playing, and questioning.”
Many KU centres continue to pursue an
interest in STEM and STEAM in their own
unique ways.