Afrocentric Extended Reality Technology Design to Infuse Indigenous Knowledge into African STEM Education

Abstract

The workshop brings together leading scholars to explore critical intersections of technology, culture, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education. Digital technologies have a significant role to play in preserving cultural heritage. While digital technologies have impacted many aspects of our daily lives, in the way we interact with each other and experience the world, “cultural digitization” is a term that is gaining traction. Archive digitization of cultural artefacts in Western museums is not new; however, the use of technology in conserving African Indigenous knowledge (IK) is relatively unexplored. Advanced technologies such as virtual- and augmented reality, and artificial intelligence hold much promise in ensuring that cultural knowledge and skills are transmitted from one generation to the next. This workshop will be a platform for participants to unpack the opportunities in infusing indigenous knowledge into African STEM education from the perspective of Afrocentric Extended Reality (XR) technology design.