Promoting 21st century emerging technologies in science education in light of photonics education framework

Abstract

Photonics is an emerging field of science and technology that is effective in providing sustainable and innovative solutions to twenty-first century problems. Science education includes topics related to light. However, photonics is not yet included in most school curricula as a subject within the domain of science and technology to be presented to pupils. Introducing emerging technologies such as photonics to school learners will serve to introduce future generations to STEM career opportunities and increase society's awareness and literacy in science and technology fields. In this study, the educational processes in introducing photonics to students are investigated. For teaching photonics in science education, questions that arise are which concepts should be taught, what the relevant skills and attitudes related to photonics are, appropriate teaching and evaluation methods and strategies, and possible informal education environments at elementary and secondary school levels. The research was conducted using the Delphi technique which makes use of a panel of experts engaging with questions leading to decisions and solutions. The experts consisted of researchers in the field of science education, scientists in the field of photonics, and sector employees working in the field of photonics in industry. Results show that teaching the concepts with the daily life and history of science contexts is suggested by experts. Student-centered methods that help to develop skills and attitudes are found beneficial to developing scientific literacy on photonics. A photonics education framework was developed by bringing together all the ideas that experts agreed on.