New scenarios and trends in non-traditional laboratories from 2000 to 2020

TL;DR

This paper analyzes the evolution of non-traditional laboratories in STEM education from 2000 to 2020, highlighting technological advancements and emerging experimentation platforms that enhance practical learning environments.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive overview of global trends and new scenarios in non-traditional laboratories over two decades, identifying key developments and boundaries.

Findings

Proliferation of low-cost hardware enabled diverse experimentation platforms.

Emergence of new experimentation scenarios with broader adaptability.

Global analysis of scholarly production from 2000 to 2020.

Abstract

For educational institutions in STEM areas, the provision of practical learning scenarios is, traditionally, a major concern. In the 21st century, the explosion of ICTs, as well as the universalization of low-cost hardware, have allowed the proliferation of technical solutions for any field; in the case of experimentation, encouraging the emergence and proliferation of non-traditional experimentation platforms. This movement has resulted in enriched practical environments, with wider adaptability for both students and teachers. In this paper, the evolution of scholar production has been analyzed at the global level from 2000 to 2020. Current and emerging experimentation scenarios have been identified, specifying the scope and boundaries between them.