Integrative Educational Platform Focusing on Steam Approaches: A Macau Case-Study

In Macau, the effectiveness of traditional classroom learning is being questioned as a result of technological advancements, social media, and a variety of learning theories and methods. The demands on education for parents and children differ from the curriculum provided by traditional education. Learning experiences, interests, discoveries, and creativity development is essential to academic performance, and the interactive collaboration between parents and children in the learning processes becomes crucial (DSEDJ, n.d.).
This dissertation presents our design work, analysis and results, explaining the characteristics of an integrated learning platform and its design for a multicultural, multilingual learning environment. "Project Fries" is a learning platform that was developed and is compatible with various digital devices and aims to create a collaborative learning experience based on blended learning approaches, children's psychology, STEAM educational approaches, gamification, user-centred design, and interface design principles, in which parents, educators, and children collaborate and learn in real-time. Surveys were being conducted on local parents, children, and teachers, reflecting digital trends, learning habits, and relevant problems around the educational system in the city.
Preliminary analysis shows that collaboration with digital devices, peer and parent collaborations, STEAM approaches, and gamification can significantly increase learning motivation and create a better learning experience. Results indicate that a better understanding of a collaborative and creative learning platform enhances children's learning motivation and improves parent-child relationships when interests are catered to each individual.