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Piloting Drones may Prepare Students with Autism for Success in STEM Careers
How can we engage students on the autism spectrum in STEM careers? Additionally, how do we create an environment where they feel at ease in a technology-driven workplace? One solution that researchers are discovering involves introducing them to drone technology. More specifically, offering them opportunities to learn drone piloting within a classroom setting that mimics an inclusive, dynamic workplace embracing neurodiverse individuals.
Drones are poised to revolutionize various sectors, from retail to disaster response, making drone piloting an increasingly valuable skill across various professions. The added allure of drones lies in their potential to be both enjoyable and intellectually fulfilling for young learners.
Recognizing these benefits, a team of researchers from North Carolina State University embarked on a study that positions drones as a focal point in their efforts to stimulate interest in STEM education and careers among high school students with autism.
Learning Drone Piloting and Self-Regulation
Over the past two years, two cohorts convened to delve into the intricacies of drone technology. This educational journey encompassed a blend of small group instruction, hands-on drone simulator activities, an additional weekly hour of online learning, and a week-long summer session. The culmination of this training empowers students to pilot small drones.
Beyond drone piloting skills, the program also emphasizes the development of self-regulation abilities within a simulated STEM work environment. Acknowledging and accommodating individualized preferences for self-regulation is paramount in creating an effective learning environment for absorbing drone-related concepts. For instance, a student’s tactile preference, such as feeling more comfortable sitting on the classroom floor, is embraced as long as it does not disrupt the learning process.
Diverse Strategies for Self-Regulation
Various strategies for self-regulation are explored, extending beyond physical comfort. Students employ techniques like alarms for activity transitions, brief breaks outside the classroom, and calming exercises using sensory tools. These strategies aim to equip students with skills that seamlessly transition to professional settings, mirroring the flexible and comfortable workspaces often found in the tech industry.
Inclusivity and Flexibility at the Core
At the heart of this initiative is a commitment to inclusivity and flexibility. Funded by the National Science Foundation, the study encompasses a diverse group of students spanning the autism spectrum, deliberately including girls to address gender disparities in both autism diagnoses and STEM career pursuits.
In an educational landscape striving for equity and engagement, this innovative approach to leveraging drone technology holds promising potential for nurturing STEM interest among students with autism. Furthermore, it underscores the importance of cultivating adaptable and supportive environments that extend into future workplaces, propelling neurodiverse individuals toward impactful and fulfilling careers.
