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Integration of STEM technologies in chemistry education: opportunities, challenges, and future directions

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The integration of STEM technologies into chemistry education is increasingly viewed as a powerful driver of transformation, capable of enhancing traditional teaching and supporting the development of critical thinking, innovative problem-solving, and practical skills. This review focuses on the pedagogical integration of STEM-related technologies in chemistry education, particularly virtual laboratories, simulations, molecular visualization systems, and mathematical modeling tools, and analyzes their role in supporting conceptual understanding, inquiry-based learning, and interdisciplinary competencies. A narrative review approach was applied to analyze recent studies on the implementation of virtual laboratories, digital simulations, molecular visualization tools, and mathematical modeling platforms in chemistry teaching, with attention to their pedagogical functions and learning outcomes. The synthesis of evidence demonstrates that STEM-based technologies improve accessibility, support practical and inquiry-based learning, enhance teamwork, and facilitate the understanding of abstract chemical concepts through interactive and visual tools. However, several challenges remain, including a shortage of qualified teachers, high financial costs, uneven technological infrastructure, and students’ difficulties adapting to technology-rich environments. The review concludes that effective integration of STEM technologies in chemistry education requires targeted professional development, strategic investment in infrastructure, curriculum refinement, and closer collaboration between educational institutions and industry.

Source: Frontiers in Education

DOI: 10.3389/feduc.2026.1823241