INTEGRATION AND USE OF CONTEMPORARY TECHNOLOGIES IN STEM EDUCATION

Abstract

Based on the historical development of industry and society, as well as education, we can conclude that in the future we will see continuous progress and development. Accordingly, education should follow, because only in this way will people be able to live a quality life in the future. Given all the progress so far, the question arises what awaits us in the coming years or decades. This article focuses on the question of whether the society is ready for the changes that await, and whether contemporary devices (3D printers, laser cutting machines, etc.) and processing procedures are already included in education, especially in the field of STEM. In order to explore these issues, a short survey was carried out on a sample of 77 STEM teachers in Slovenia. Results show that Slovenian schools are not yet well enough prepared for contemporary technologies, and that these are not included in the lessons for various reasons. Therefore, a strategy (at different levels) should be developed and introduce certain changes, so that education can keep up with the pace of technological progress. Keywords: contemporary technologies, STEM education, technological development, changes in education.