In an age where students’ attention is divided among countless digital distractions, it is essential to seek new and effective teaching methods. Microlearning and immersive learning are among the most innovative pedagogical approaches today, bringing fresh energy into education, and when combined with educational robotics and 3D technologies, they become powerful tools for sparking interest in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics).

Microlearning: Small Steps, Big Impact

Microlearning refers to learning in short, focused bursts—perfectly tailored to the attention span of today’s students. It allows for quick engagement, immediate understanding, and practical application of knowledge.

“Students retain information better when they learn in short cycles, actively and in meaningful contexts,” confirms a study in the Journal of Applied Educational and Instructional Design (JAED, 2020).

That’s why ICER events—such as webinars, workshops, and bootcamps—are structured to deliver bite-sized yet meaningful challenges. Whether students are programming a robot or designing a unique 3D object, they’re learning by doing—and they remember what they experience.

Immersive Learning: Experiences That Stick

Immersive learning creates an experiential environment where students solve real-world problems, collaborate in teams, and use various technologies. This approach appeals not only to technically inclined students but also to those with interests in aesthetics, design, or creative expression.

As Educause Review explains, “Learning becomes deeper when students can connect new knowledge with real experiences and emotions” (Educause Review, 2019).

ICER boot camps combine robotics, design, coding, and creative thinking. Many girls are surprised at how enjoyable programming can be, especially when the robot they’re programming represents their own creative vision or personal project.

STEAM: Where Technology Meets Creativity

Incorporating the Arts into technical subjects is especially important for engaging girls and encouraging their participation in technology. Creative activities such as designing fashion accessories, jewelry, or decorative items using 3D modeling and 3D printing allow students—especially girls—to express their aesthetic sensibilities while gaining technical skills.

As the STEM to STEAM Initiative at the Rhode Island School of Design states, “Integrating art and design into STEM education fosters innovation and makes learning more inclusive and appealing to a wider range of students” (RISD, 2021).

Within the Inclusive and Creative Education with Robotics and AI (ICER) project, we offer activities that combine technology with creative expression—such as workshops focused on 3D design of fashion, jewelry, or decorative objects. Students work in teams, blend aesthetics with functionality, and learn the fundamentals of industrial design, engineering, and digital fabrication.

Our Vision: Curiosity and Equal Opportunities

Our goal is not only to teach students how to operate technology, but also to plant a seed of curiosity and confidence. We want more girls to feel welcomed in tech fields—and to see that creativity and innovation go hand in hand.

As one participant in our 3D design workshop shared:
“I never thought I’d be able to design and print my pendant. Now I’m already thinking about what else I could try.”

For more information about upcoming events, visit icerobotics.online.
Discover a world where technology and creativity come together—and where girls have an equal place.