Communications of the ACM
'cool' Factor Key to Inspiring Future Tech and Engineering Stars
Tech education needs a "cool" factor, Stanford University president John Hennessy says.
Credit: V3.co.uk
Stanford University president John Hennessy discussed the problems of technology and engineering education while speaking at the Global Grand Challenges Summit in London. Hennessy says technology and engineering turns off many people, and the problem is students do not know what engineers actually do. He suggests the field will need to develop a coolness factor if technology and engineering education is to attract the best and brightest young people.
Hennessy points out the field often does not resonate with students, and cites an old IBM advertisement for engineering that showed a team of all white males in ties. "They need to see people who look like them," Hennessy says. He also believes the study of engineering should become more people-oriented. "It needs to be creative and collaborative and global in outlook to reflect how the world works, and it needs to be inspiring," Hennessy says.
He notes a number of recent innovations that should be showcased to students, such as the invention of mobile phones, the self-driving car, and the creation of the Channel Tunnel. Hennessy stresses that pupils need to be challenged to solve global problems, such as the need to make solar cells easier and cheaper to install in homes.
From V3.co.uk
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