Inclusive education on stem subjects with the arduino platform

Abstract

The aim of the present work is to propose a course on fields of Science, Technology,Engineeringand Mathematics (STEM) subjects which is very suitable for the inclusion of persons with disabilities in the classroom. We developed an interdisciplinary STEM project based on the Arduino platform. It has bearing on the constructivist theory and it considers the principle of the learning communities and the differentiated instruction. Its target group is an inhomogeneous groupof students from middle and high school and some students with hearing disabilities. The deaf students are using the Greek Sign Language (GSL). From literature, it becomes evident the low participation of students with disabilities in subjects related to STEM education. The designed course is based on the Arduino platform and aims at solving an authentic problem. We describe the difficulties that we confronted, especially concerning attitudes about STEM subjects and the necessary adaptations. One of the authors worked as an interpreter for the GSL. The students with hearing disabilities participated in equal terms with other students and achieved comparable results. This is a proof that they acquired the required skills and attitudes for such a complex process. In addition, it deemed necessary to enhance the GSL with new signs to facilitate the communication.