Incorporating designing principles to improve student engagement in the STEM aviation learning process with digital technologies

Abstract

The aviation field, a multidisciplinary domain with a profound impact on human development, inspires students to explore STEM subjects through aviation-themed activities. A STEM education cultivates essential 21st-century skills and is driven by a growing global market. The aviation and aerospace industries struggle with diversity, underrepresenting women and minorities. Encouraging students to explore these fields can address this issue and fill the diversity gap. Employers can support diversity through STEM education initiatives. This study aims to ignite children's interest in STEM, with a focus on aviation enthusiasts. By blending aerospace and aviation principles, the goal is to enhance their STEM knowledge and design skills, particularly in the aviation field, using game-based learning. Our approach integrates aviation elements into a game system to nurture a passion for STEM. This project aligns educational practices with changing demands by integrating design principles and 21st-century skills into aviation education. In this research, an interactive program that incorporates insights derived from a thorough analysis of relevant literature was developed. The efficiency was evaluated, drawing upon user feedback as a pivotal aspect of assessment. The feedback garnered has significantly contributed to identifying the project's strengths and shedding light on areas necessitating improvement, thereby guiding its ongoing development. The design feedback accentuated the AviDesign interface's engaging and playful attributes, suggesting its potential appeal to younger audiences.