STEM - an integrated education method in digital human resource development

Bao Tram -

Wednesday, January 18, 2023 | 0:00:00

(VOVWORLD) - Howard Gardner, a psychologist and professor at Harvard University, has introduced a theory of multiple intelligences which assesses a child’s abilities in eight categories that represent different ways of processing information: logical-mathematical intelligence, linguistic intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, musical intelligence, spatial intelligence, naturalistic intelligence, bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, and intrapersonal intelligence. STEM is one of the appropriate educational methods and should be used for children aged 6 to 12 to help them become global digital citizens. In this week’s Digital Life, we talk to Nguyen Huu Hien, Communications Director of the DTT Technology Group, about STEM, an integrated education method in promoting digital human development.

STEM - an integrated education method in digital human resource development - ảnh 1

Int’l Robothon competition is a way to provide students integrated skills. (Photo: vietnamnet.vn)

Bao Tram: What do you think of Vietnam’s current human resource development for the IT sector?

Huu Hien: Human resource development for the IT sector currently is a hot issue. Vietnam is considered a destination for information technology corporations because of its abundant young population. But personnel training still needs to be optimized and improved.

Bao Tram: Online training is a trend in Vietnam, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. What has the DTT Technology Group done to meet the trend?

Huu Hien: Since the 2-year COVID hiatus, online training has been an urgent need. DTT Eduspec, a subsidiary of the DTT Technology Group, has studied online training, especially the STEM model, for some time. We recently launched a product called Robot Leanbot that is the first robot in Vietnam to teach elementary and middle school students about STEM and robotics in a methodical way. The solution includes a robot for students to practice on and is based on an online learning program.

STEM - an integrated education method in digital human resource development - ảnh 2

At the 2023 Robotics Championship, Vietnamese students will compete in Leanbot category at both national and international level. (Photo: vietnamnet.vn)

Bao Tram: STEM education is a teaching approach combining science, technology, engineering, and math that can teach children problem-solving skills for later life. How can we make STEM education and robotics attractive to children?

Huu Hien: Since programming is a rather boring subject, teaching robot programming should combine use of a computer and interaction with a robot. Based on the principle of learning while playing or learning by doing, we’ve designed Robot Leanbot. When you look at the robot, you know immediately its structure - where to touch and how to control it. The robot has touch sensors and ultrasonic sensors for wireless control, which help children develop their external senses when interacting with the robot. The robot also has a digital copy platform that allows users to compete with each other while learning online, so they can have fun while learning robot programming.

Bao Tram: Not every locality can use the STEM model in its primary schools because there’s no Internet connection. How can STEM be expanded to teach digital skills to more children?

Huu Hien: We develop products in Vietnam for Vietnamese people. For us, the most important thing is to provide a suitable product. The idea of Robot Leanbot was to create a product that is cheap enough, good enough, and accessible to nearly all students. Students can learn online with Robot Leanbot, so they can be anywhere, not just in big cities or major STEM centers. We have a training program from basic to advanced level. We’ll keep students up-to-date with new technologies such as blockchain and NFT as well.

Bao Tram: Thank you, Mr. Hien, for granting VOV this interview.

Bao Tram