DIGITGAME PROJECT: COMMUNICATE STEM THROUGH AN INNOVATIVE TEACHING METHODS

Computers and technology have influenced the nature of the "digital native citizens" life and the most recent generation of students have grown up with these technologies [1]. Despite our increasing technological dependence, the decline in high quality scientific vocations is current. The need to propose new approach and innovative teaching methods is increasingly present. In the framework of ERASMUS+ Programme has been developed and financed DIGITgame project. DIGITgame "Digital Improvement by Game In Teaching" is aimed to improve scientific skills and competence through more effective and innovative teaching methods. DIGITgame propose a new approach to communicate and teach traditional topics of environmental sciences by the use of the new thematic of Smart Cities and taking advantage introducing the videogame solution. This didactic strategy will permit to reinforce the achievement of advanced and high quality competences, both in scientific topics and digital knowledge. It is way to reinforce the consciousness on sustainable and smart cities policy and management in the citizen of the future. A preliminary research was conducted on measuring STEM knowledge and how ICT (Information and Communication Technology) are used to study and deepen the topics treated at school. The instrument of the research was a survey administrated at students and to their teachers, with the aim to know their perception on the knowledge of skills and the use of devices (smartphone, PC, tablet) to study and deepen STEM subjects treated at school.