Effects of Coronavirus Pandemic Spread on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education in Higher Learning Institutions

The traditional pedagogical methods of delivering content for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) related subjects have been shaken to their core. Normal delivery under ideal conditions was a face to face approach with the tutor in front of the class. Practical subjects that have laboratory exercises are carried out in the designated laboratory areas with the assistance of technicians or technologists. With the advent of coronavirus pandemic, where isolation and social distancing has been implemented to stop its spread and transmission, these modes of content delivery are not feasible. To fill in the gap and ensure the much needed STEM education continues despite the fear of coronavirus pandemic spread, online delivery mode of various subjects offered has been adopted. This is done using such platforms as Learning Management System, Zoom Meeting and Google Scholar. However, solving the problem of practical laboratory exercises requires much more than online teaching. This paper proposes the use of virtual reality, simulation and modeling platforms as a substitute of face to face laboratory exercises in training STEM related subjects, especially in institutions of higher learning in developing countries. Pre-recorded versions of practical experiments will be offered to students and related assignments given for practice purposes. Short webinars with details recorded will guide recipients in carrying out experiments without the need for neither technicians nor technologists. The students will then be able to attend the laboratory session virtually and submit the required reports. Several other types of content deliver exist and a combination of them can also be used depending on the areas to be covered. The exploitation of the suggested content delivery will resolve change of the attitude in learning behavior, thereby ensuring high quality and effective understanding of the subject area.