Abstract:

STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) has become central to contemporary education reform, yet Home Economics (HE) is rarely recognised as a strategic STEAM subject. Despite its interdisciplinary foundations in food science, textiles, sustainability and household economics, HE is often framed narrowly as domestic skill training.

This conceptual paper argues that technology can act as a catalyst for repositioning HE as an applied STEAM platform for 21st-century education. Rather than treating technology as an add-on, the paper conceptualises it as a mediating force that connects disciplinary knowledge with authentic, everyday life contexts. Drawing on interdisciplinary learning, digital pedagogy and systems thinking, a Technology-Enhanced STEAM Integration Framework is proposed. The framework operates across three layers: disciplinary integration, pedagogical integration and competency development.

By making technology’s integrative role explicit, HE can more intentionally foster digital literacy, systems thinking, ethical reasoning, sustainability competence and innovation skills. Repositioning HE through technology-enhanced STEAM integration is therefore presented as a strategic step toward preparing learners for complex socio-technical futures.

Keywords:

Home Economics, STEAM, Technology, Interdisciplinary Education.