Review of Integrated STEM+C e-Learning Platforms to Support Underrepresented Students

Despite initiatives to promote broader participation within the workforce, the science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computer science (STEM+C) fields still lack diversity. The underrepresentation of historically marginalized students in STEM+C fields may be caused by several factors. Such factors may include but are not limited to, a lack of exposure in their early childhood education, lack of confidence, and gender stereotypes that are perpetuated by society. While a systemic issue, the availability of e-learning platforms has the potential to provide low-stakes opportunities for historically marginalized students in STEM+C to explore subject areas and develop an interest. There is also the added benefit that such platforms are highly scalable. This paper offers a review and synthesis of the effectiveness of current e-learning platforms for promoting historically marginalized students’ participation in STEM+C focusing specifically on female students’ participation and e-learning platforms that teach STEM+C content. The benefits of such platforms, along with the limitations (e.g., cost, learner motivation, lack of social interaction and technical skills, etc.) are taken into consideration. However, based on the findings described in this review paper, such limitations ultimately do not undermine the benefits e-learning platforms may have in supporting students’ interest in pursuing STEM+C and promoting broader participation.