Innovative Learning Environments in STEM Higher Education Opportunities, Challenges, and Looking Forward: A Book Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58421/gehu.v5i5.1439Keywords:
Book Review, Artificial intelligence, Cross reality, Innovative learning environments, Multimodal learning, STEM EducationAbstract
This study analyses the edited volume Innovative Learning Environments in STEM Higher Education, edited by Jungwoo Ryoo and Katherine Winkelmann (2021), in the context of advancing innovative learning practices in STEM higher education. This article employs a descriptive-critical book review approach to examine the book, focusing on its conceptual contribution, practical relevance, contextual applicability, organisation, and critical limitations. The book consists of several chapters, each discussing different innovations in STEM learning, such as adaptive learning, multimodal learning, cross-reality (XR), and artificial intelligence (AI). The results reveal that the book emphasises a shift from teacher-centred to more student-centred learning by incorporating several innovative strategies, such as adaptive learning, multimodal learning, cross-reality (XR), and artificial intelligence (AI). In addition, the book outlines key implementation challenges, including constraints in infrastructure, institutional preparedness, and educators’ competencies. Nevertheless, the discussion is largely focused on theoretical perspectives rather than practical applications and predominantly reflects experiences from developed countries, thereby limiting its relevance to developing contexts. Overall, the book offers valuable theoretical insights into contemporary trends in innovative learning; however, further empirical and context-specific research is needed to enhance its practical applicability in diverse educational settings.
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