Making Students’ Thinking Visible
Innovative after-school program captures Native American students’ interest in STEM through spatial design
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allmarks of the future such as virtual reality, augmented reality and 3D printing are set to help connect Native American students with their cultural past through an innovative $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation. Students from Chickasaw, Pawnee and Citizen Potawatomi Nation tribes will learn how to apply spatial design concepts through an after-school program led by Oklahoma State University professors, then craft building designs representing stories from their tribe’s culture. Students will be able to “walk through” and experience their completed buildings using virtual and augmented reality. “We hope to take what students already know naturally from their culture and use it to expand their understanding of STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) concepts,” said Dr. Tilanka Chandrasekera, an associate professor in the Department of Design, Housing and Merchandising. Inspiration for the project comes from a concept known as genus loci, which Chandrasekera defines as “the spirit of place.” Native American structures, such as round houses, demonstrate unique genus loci. “We’re looking at architectural and designrelated problems and approaching it through an indigenous way of knowing,” Chandrasekera said. “We will discuss Native American stories related to people and history, then challenge students to bring those stories to life with their designs.” Dr. Tutaleni Asino, an OSU associate professor of educational technology, is leading the project with Chandrasekera. He hopes that as students design buildings representing their tribe’s heritage, they will develop a passion for STEM-related careers. According to the Pew Research Institute,
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fewer than 3% of STEM workers are Native American. “In the next five to 10 years, technologies like virtual reality and 3D printing will be ubiquitous in many professions, from doctors to engineers,” Asino said. “Being exposed to this at a young age can capture students’ interest in STEM.” The three-year grant will enable Chandrasekera and Asino to work with each tribe for one year, conducting professional development workshops for teachers and hosting after-school programs for students. As students use augmented and virtual reality, as well as 3D printing, topics such as room dimensions and software programming come to life. Details typically challenging to visualize, like the shadows created by a light fixture and the dimensions of a curving staircase, can be seen via augmented and virtual reality, and complex projects like calculating staircase dimensions will be more realistic. “It makes students’ thinking visible and learning more immersive,” Asino said. “They can visualize buildings that may not be accessible in the physical world.” Dr. Norma Neely, a fifth-grade teacher at Shawnee Public Schools and elder of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, has worked closely with Asino and Chandrasekera. “Programs like this are absolutely essential to Native American students who, too often, are among the last to experience the latest technology and STEM opportunities,” Neely said. “Exposure to this type of learning can foster interest and actually change career pathways.” Neely believes Native American communities have many strengths that can support and augment the program.
STORY BRITTANY BOWMAN AND CHRISTY LANG | PHOTOS DIANA HASLETT
