Fostering the Four C’s: A Gendered Perspective on Technology Use in STEAM Education

The integration of 3D modeling and printing (3DMP) into STEAM education has the potential to foster 21st-century skills, including creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication (the four C’s). This study investigates whether gender influences the use of 3DMP among pre-service mathematics teachers and how this technology supports the creation of meaningful STEAM learning experiences. Over 100 project documentations from Austrian university students were analyzed, evaluating their potential to promote the four C’s and their transdisciplinary connections. Results indicate minimal gender differences, with both male and female participants incorporating technical, artistic, and creative elements into their projects. These findings challenge stereotypes about technology as a male domain and suggest that integrating emerging technologies such as 3DMP into teacher training inherently supports gender-neutral outcomes, promoting inclusivity and equity in STEAM education without requiring explicit gender-focused interventions. The study contributes to ongoing discussions about gender perceptions and technology integration in education, offering insights into fostering inclusive and equitable STEAM teaching practices.