Critical Thinking in a Digital World: How to Get Your STEM Students to Question Everything

Podcast Transcript

HOST: Welcome to our podcast, 'Unlocking the Power of STEM Education'. Today, we're excited to talk about the Undergraduate Certificate in Teaching Critical Thinking in Online STEM Courses. Joining me is Dr. Jane Smith, the program director. Dr. Smith, thanks for being here. GUEST: Thank you for having me. I'm thrilled to share the benefits of our innovative program with your audience. HOST: So, let's dive right in. What makes this program so unique, and how does it prepare students for their careers in online STEM education? GUEST: Our program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to design and teach engaging online STEM courses that foster critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills. By combining cutting-edge instructional methods with practical teaching strategies, our students become empowered to empower the next generation of STEM leaders. HOST: That sounds amazing. What kind of career opportunities can students expect after completing the program? GUEST: Upon completion, our students are prepared for exciting career opportunities in online education, instructional design, and educational consulting. They can also enhance their current role as a teacher, instructor, or professor, and increase their earning potential. We've had students from diverse backgrounds, from K-12 teachers to university professors, and even professionals looking to transition into education. HOST: That's really versatile. Can you give us some examples of practical applications of the skills and knowledge gained in the program? GUEST: Absolutely. Our students have applied their skills to create online courses, develop educational resources, and even consult with educational institutions to improve their online STEM programs. We've also had students who have created their own educational startups, using the knowledge and skills gained in the program. HOST: That's incredible. I'm sure our listeners are curious about the program's structure and flexibility. Can you tell us more about that? GUEST: Our program is specifically designed to cater to the needs of online learners, with flexible scheduling and interactive coursework. We use a variety of online platforms and tools to facilitate collaboration and engagement among students and instructors. We believe that by providing a flexible and interactive learning environment, we can support our students in achieving their goals. HOST: That sounds like a great approach. What kind of support can students expect from the program's instructors and community? GUEST: Our instructors are experts in STEM education, and they're passionate about supporting our students in achieving their goals. We also have a community of peers from diverse backgrounds, which provides a rich learning environment. Our students can expect to engage in discussions, share ideas, and learn from each other's experiences. HOST: That's wonderful. Dr. Smith, thank you for sharing your insights with us today. If our listeners are interested in learning more about the program, where can they go? GUEST: They can visit our website or contact our program team directly. We're always happy to answer questions and provide more information. HOST: Great, we'll make sure