In this paper, we offer three examples from our research projects on both technological and pedagogical innovations to illustrate the impact of rapid technology changes on research. Members of our research team both developed and used technology applications in their research projects, utilizing design-based research (DBR). During the experiments, we encountered new challenges by the end of the research cycle due to updates in technologies. Although we had an idea of how to redesign the project for the next cycle based on the analyses of data, we noticed that we needed to not only redesign our approaches based on the research results but the changes in technologies were so rapid that materials and pedagogies needed to be altered as well. In our article, we propose an additional aspect to be considered in DBR while researching technology integration or innovative technologies. Moreover, the rapid change in technology raises further challenges to teachers’ professional development and the integration of those innovative technologies in classrooms. We anticipate our work to contribute to the development of technology resources and related pedagogies as well as the refinement of research methodologies in technology environments. Our contributions for the development of technology resources and refinement of research methods in technology-supported learning environments should, among other things, contribute to a less complex and at the same time more sustainable integration of pedagogical innovations into scientific and school practices.

Teacher professional development programs, including mid- and long-term Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math (STEAM) courses, have recently moved from in person learning at university premises to an online environment. Whether it is a temporary change in learning methods caused by the COVID-19 restrictions or whether it will become a new normal is currently under discussion in many teacher training institutions around the world. The aim of this study was to design and implement time- and money-saving synchronous online teacher training format for conducting co-design courses for early childhood teachers in the theme of STEAM integrated learning activities. Based on Tallinn University’s curriculum of in-person training courses on the same topic, with the volume of 40 contact hours, we delivered the content in two different formats: in 11-months (as it used to be in pre-COVID period) and in 4-months, adapted to participants’ needs. We used a self-assessment survey, based on DigCompEdu framework, to assess the increase of digital competences in the two formats. The long-format course had 31 participants and the short-format course had 50 participants. The assessment was based on pre- and post-test and we used structured live video presentations to let participants retrospectively describe their learning experiences. Results indicate that the participants of both courses had improved their digital competences and achieved the learning outcomes set by course content. There was no significant difference in increase of digital competences or the way the course was perceived between participants of both courses. This brings us to the cautious consideration that it is possible to achieve desired outcomes of STEAM courses even in a shorter period when conducting them online compared to the in-person courses. There is a need for further research where results from participants of in-person and online teaching courses are compared.

The current science, technology, engineering, art, math education (STEAM) approach emphasizes integration of abstract science and mathematical ideas for concrete solutions by art. The main aim was to find out how experience of learning mathematics differed between the contexts of school and an informal Math and Art Exhibition. The study participants (N = 256) were 12‐13 years old from Finland. Several valid questionnaires and tests were applied (e.g., SRQ‐A, RAVEN) in pre‐ and postdesign showing a good reliability. The results based on General Linear Modeling and Structural Equation Path Modeling underline the motivational effects. The experience of the effectiveness of hands‐on learning at school and at the exhibition was not consistent across the subgroups. The lowest achieving group appreciated the exhibition alternative for math learning compared to learning math at school. The boys considered the exhibition to be more useful than the girls as it fostered their science and technology attitudes. However, for the girls, the attractiveness of the exhibition, the experienced situation motivation, was much more strongly connected to the attitudes on science and technology and the worthiness of mathematics. Interestingly, the pupils experienced that even this short informal learning intervention affected their science and technology attitudes and educational plans.

The 6E Learning by Design (LbD) model can enhance student teachers’ development of competence for integrating technologies in the classrooms including Artificial Intelligence (AI). However, teacher educators rarely use the 6E LbD model in supporting and encouraging student teachers to integrate AI applications in their classrooms effectively. To attract teacher educators to use the 6E LbD model, in the present study, we modeled learning activities for each phase. We also examined the impact of the 6E LbD model in supporting student teachers to integrate AI in the classroom. We adopted a Participatory Action Research approach implemented in two cycles. We collected data from 35 student teachers who were selected purposively. We collected data through observation, reflective journals and document analysis. We observed student teachers during the classroom activities and analysed their lesson plans and reflective journals, and interpreted data based on a thematic analysis. Findings show that there are various activities facilitating learning in different phases of the 6E LbD model. Also, findings show that the 6E LbD enables student teachers to develop skills and competence for integrating AI in their classrooms. The findings show that an evidence-based approach will motivate teacher educators to use the 6E LbD model.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) has become a frequently discussed topic in education in recent years. This study aims to categorize research findings related to Educational Robotics through Integrated STEM Learning towards 21st century skills in 2019-2024. In its review, this study used PRISMA systematic review. Paper searches were conducted on Scopus, ScienceDirect, and DOAJ databases on December 2023-January 2024. A total of 30 articles to review. The review in this study made it possible to categorize the Implementation of Integrated STEM in the form of Educational Robotics towards the development of 21st century skills in two categories. The first category was based on the improvement of students' abilities, the learning and teaching process, and the relationship with 21st century skills. The second category was based on the evaluation of STEM integrated with Educational Robotics to support 21st century skills. The results from the first category had a strong influence in improving students' abilities, the learning and teaching process, and the relationship with 21st century skills. From the second, it was determined that there is a need for the development of methods in learning educational robotics and it is important to support 21st century skills.

Educational Robotics (ER) has gained prominence in the literature on Computational Thinking (CT) because of its modularity, a feature that potentially facilitates the development of abstract thinking through complex robotic parts. The field of robotics encompasses the characteristics of technology, intelligence, embodiment, and interaction, and these characteristics can serve as means of instruction for CT. Essential 21st Century Skills include decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and the use of algorithms; which are fundamental to effective problem-solving skills. Although CT is believed to be the key to developing 21st Century Skills, its role in doing so is significantly underexplored. This paper investigates the influence of CT ability on students’ efficacy in imbibing 21st Century Skills. The study implemented a qualitative case study design, in which students of an Indonesian vocationaleducation school were engaged in ER activities. CT skills and the associated 21st Century Skills were evaluated through several phases of observation and interviews. The findings reveal that CT paves the way for the development of 21st Century Skills. Analysing the development of CT can be a major way in which individuals are empowered to take full advantage of the developments brought about by rapid changes in technology.