New research reveals that 65% of students aged 10-16 years old in Australia have an interest in learning more STEM focused skills, like coding in school, with one in three students saying they are not taught this currently.
Further to this, the research, conducted by Microsoft Store Australia, showcases Aussie kids value STEM based subjects as the most relevant to their jobs in the future, prioritising Computers (61%), IT (63%) and Science (57%) over traditionally preferred subjects, such as P.E (45%), English (51%) and Music (44%).
The research results also indicate that Aussie kids are excited about new learning tools and experiences in the classroom of the future.
Twenty-one per cent of students say they would like more opportunities to learn outside of the physical classroom, forty-two per cent of students say they would like to interact more with classroom computers via touch screen, and twenty-seven per cent would like to be able to interact with computers via voice command.
In response to the study’s findings, Microsoft’s Flagship Store in Sydney has created a learning experience in store, offering students the chance to sample some of the subjects and teaching tools of the future through a series of workshops available in January.
During Store is offering students aged 8 – 15 years a taste of the school of the future through an engaging curriculum involving AR, AI and coding workshops, and kids and parents will be given a taste of the Australian school of the future.
“We’re very excited that Aussie school kids are so interested in learning about new technologies in the school of the future,” Max Ferfoglia, Community Development Specialist at the flagship Microsoft Store in Sydney, said.
Ferfoglia said it is even more exciting to be able to offer students the opportunity to trial technology and curriculums that they may not have hands-on experience of in their school classes at the moment.
“By offering these workshops at Microsoft Store, we hope to inspire and empower children to feel confident and excited about the future of technology, ultimately inspiring them to pursue a career in the STEM industry,” he said.