From STEM to STEAM: Global Trends in Education and the Growing Demand for Coding and Robotics
Main Article Content
Abstract
Using weekly Google Trends relative search volume (RSV) data from January 2023 to November 2025, this study maps global and regional search attention to STEM education, STEAM education, coding for kids, and robotics classes. The analysis profiles temporal trajectories, identifies inflection points, and compares regional rankings across world regions. Results indicate sustained global salience of STEM education, comparatively lower but gradually rising attention to STEAM, and an increase in skill-oriented searches for coding and robotics with higher week-to-week volatility in several regions. Because the coding/robotics queries carry more service- and skill-seeking intent than the broad STEM/STEAM framework terms, we interpret these patterns as signals of public attention and potential demand for learning opportunities rather than direct evidence of enrolment or policy adoption. The discussion links regional variation to differences in digital infrastructure, policy emphasis on computational thinking, and labour-market narratives around digital skills. Limitations of Google Trends are acknowledged, and triangulation pathways for future research are outlined.
Highlights
Uses weekly Google Trends (RSV) data from January 2023–November 2025 to map global attention to STEM, STEAM, coding for kids, and robotics classes. Shows STEM education remains the most consistently salient term globally, while STEAM displays a clearer rise from late 2024. Identifies growing and more volatile attention to skill-oriented searches (coding/robotics), suggesting increasing public interest in practical digital skills. Compares regional patterns and finds stronger skill-search signals in regions with more developed digital ecosystems and enabling conditions. Clarifies interpretation boundaries by treating RSV as an attention proxy, rather than direct evidence of enrollment or policy adoption.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.
Copyright: CC BY-NC-ND 4.0
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