Technology-Enhanced Co-Creative Pedagogies: Transforming Collaboration, Critical Thinking, and Innovation in STEAM Education

Traditional STEAM education’s emphasis on individual achievement and standardized outcomes constrains collaborative innovation and adaptive problem-solving required for complex technological challenges. The present study investigates how technology-enhanced co-creative pedagogical frameworks improve collaboration, critical thinking, and innovation capabilities in STEAM learning environments. A mixed-methods design was implemented across three institutions (n=285) utilizing digital collaborative platforms, virtual reality simulations, and AI-assisted peer mentoring systems. Technology-mediated interventions included collaborative problem-based learning through cloud platforms, digital peer mentoring networks, and interdisciplinary projects using emerging technologies. Pre-post assessments measured critical thinking, collaboration competency, and innovation capacity, supplemented by focus groups, digital learning analytics, and teacher interviews. Students in technology-enhanced co-creative environments demonstrated significantly superior critical thinking performance (M=78.4, SD=12.1) compared to traditional approaches (M=65.7, SD=14.3), F(1,283)=187.23, p