Non Formal And Informal Science Learning In The Ict Era

This book introduces the reader to evidence-based non-formal and informal science learning considerations (including technological and pedagogical innovations) that have emerged in and empowered the information and communications technology (ICT) era. The contributions come from diverse countries and contexts (such as hackerspaces, museums, makerspaces, after-school activities) to support a wide range of educators, practitioners, and researchers (such as K-12 teachers, learning scientists, museum curators, librarians, parents, hobbyists). The documented considerations, lessons learned, and concepts have been extracted using diverse methods, ranging from experience reports and conceptual methods to quantitative studies and field observation using qualitative methods. This volume attempts to support the preparation, set-up, implementation, but also evaluation of informal learning activities to enhance science education.

This book highlights the different aspects of the research project “E4C Horizon 2020 European Project” aimed at fighting the coronavirus by combining the best supercomputing resources and artificial intelligence with state-of-the-art experimental facilities up through clinical validation. Coronavirus disease has become an important public issue across the globe since December 2019. There is an urgent need to develop potent anti-COVID-19 agents for the prevention of the outbreak and stop viral infections. To this aim, a public–private consortium composed by European and national infrastructures, center of excellence, universities, and a pharmaceutical company started the E4C Horizon 2020 European Project: Its core idea was to use the EXaSCale smArt pLatform Against paThogEns (EXSCALATE) supercomputing platform for a process known as “drug repurposing”, namely to identify the most promising safe in man drugs for immediate treatment of the already infected population and then novel pan-coronavirus inhibitors to address future emergencies. This ambitious goal exploited a “chemical library” of 500 billion molecules, thanks to a processing capacity of more than 3 million molecules per second, made available by the computing power of the EXSCALATE platform.

Science learning that takes place between and at the intersections of formal and informal science environments has not been systematically reviewed to offer a comprehensive understanding of the existing knowledge base. Bringing together theory and research, this volume describes the various ways in which learning science in various settings has been conceptualized as well as empirical evidence to illustrate how science learning in these settings can be supported.

This book is comprised of research-based chapters developed from selected full papers presented at the Pan-Hellenic and International Conference “ICT in Education”. It includes covering technical, pedagogical, organizational, instructional, as well as policy aspects of ICT in Education and e-Learning. Special emphasis is given to applied research relevant to the educational practice guided by the educational realities in schools, colleges, universities and informal learning organizations. Further, the book encompasses current trends, perspectives, and approaches determining e-Learning and ICT integration in practice, including learning and teaching, curriculum and instructional design, learning media and environments, teacher education and professional development. Since 2012, Springer has published a volume entitled “Research on e-Learning and ICT in Education: Technological, Pedagogical and Instructional Issues” at the conclusion of every conference. These volumes are based on research work originally presented in the conference series mentioned above, but the call for chapters is open and disseminated to the international community attracting also international contributions. Furthermore, as the editors are also involved in EU funded international research projects in the area of educational technology, we strongly focus on attracting submissions demonstrating the current state-of-the-art and most recent research outcomes of such projects.

What learning, teaching, and education will be in the next future is an open question. Nevertheless, believing that an increasing prevalence of AI may not influence the education field seems objectively unlikely. In recent years, the new renaissance of AI has stimulated discussion on how advances in AI can influence the educational sector and the future educational policies and the impact of AI on Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL). On the other side, the attention of the education sector in artificial intelligence is complemented by the consideration that, since the early days of AI, researchers have shown for the education sector, which has often seen education as one of the preferred application areas. The interaction between the AI and TEL research fields led to the investigation of how the advance in AI could support the development of flexible, inclusive, personalized, engaging, and effective learning tools. Besides, research in this area could be a powerful tool to open the "learning black box" by providing a deeper understanding of how learning occurs. The proposed Research Topic aims to gather contributions that provide a comprehensive picture of how AI is changing educational practices and how the key stakeholders in the educational community (i.e., students, teachers, faculty, and families) perceive this ongoing change. Relevant topics include (but are not limited to): ● AI applications in real-world educational settings ● Intelligent Tutoring Systems ● Adaptive learning environments ● Learning design and AI ● Students profiling: definition of the student model and ethical implications ● Intelligent techniques for objective and integrated students evaluation in TEL ● Teachers' competencies for effective integration of AI into Education ● Teachers’ perceptions of AI: prejudices and attitudes ● The role of cognitive architectures in Education ● Serious games and AI ● Social robotics in Education

Modern society gives great importance to scientific and technological literacy, development of “21st century skills,” and creating individuals who are not passive users of ICT tools but active thinkers and even tinkerers. The learning process is thus constantly evolving to facilitate the acquisition of such skills, such as setting goals and making evidence-based decisions, thinking critically, and solving problems while efficiently managing time as well as using technology, cooperating ethically, and communicating effectively. STEAM is the approach to learning that uses concepts from natural sciences, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to foster critical thinking, computational and design thinking, as well working effectively together, mimicking the process followed by scientists. The end goal is engaged and motivated students who participate in experiential and inquiry-based learning in fun, immersive environments that facilitate learning through a creative process. The Handbook of Research on Integrating ICTs in STEAM Education includes current research focusing on the development of STEAM and ICT educational practices, tools, workflows, and frames of operation that encourage science skills, but also skills related to the arts and humanities such as creativity, imagination, and reflection on ethical implications. Covering topics such as early childhood education, machine learning education, educational robotics, and web-based simulations, this major reference work is an essential resource for engineers, educators of both K-12 and higher education, education administration, libraries, pre-service teachers, computer scientists, researchers, and academics.

Quantum computing is a field in which advanced technologies like quantum communication, artificial intelligence and machine learning can be used to secure and speed up connectivity using quantum computers, quantum drones or quantum satellites. This book serve as a foundation for researchers and scientists in this field. Future technologies, such as quantum drone delivery systems, quicker internet and climate change mitigation, will need quantum information processing and quantum computation. This book deeply explores the importance of quantum computing in real-time applications. It may be used as a reference book for students in higher education, including undergraduate and graduate students, as well as researchers. Key features: Provides a clear insight into the Internet of Drones for academicians, postdoc fellows, research scholars, graduate and postgraduate students, industry fellows and software engineers Useful to professionals who seek information about the Internet of Drones, including experts in quantum computing and physics and post-quantum cryptography, as well as data scientists and data analysts Covers quantum computing and security for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) or drones which are widely useful for applications such as military, government, and non-government systems Explores futuristic aspects of the Intenet of Drones to improve everyday living for ordinary people