IEEE University Programs Initiative

EAB

June 21, 2008, Denver

Environmental Scan

Recent reports from US-based groups (e.g.: NSF, NAS, NAE, U. of Michigan Millennium Project) paint a dismal picture of engineering education Need for more applied, problem-based

learning “Reductionist” course content

Environmental Scan (continued)

Need for graduates to have, and integrate, knowledge across disciplines (e.g.: global/cultural issues, environmental/sustainability, entrepreneurship)

Need for more affective/non-cognitive skills (e.g.: leadership, communications, ethics)

Environmental Scan (continued)

Structural barriers to enrollment by racial/ethnic minority students

Carrots and Sticks

Accreditation is often an effective tool for issues such as Aligning institutional mission with

resources Institutional governance Learning processes and outcomes Defining threshold quality for

“emerging” programs and in emerging markets

Carrots and Sticks (continued)

Q: What other tools can IEEE create and use to accelerate innovation and enhance quality in relevant fields of engineering education?

A: Faculty and professional development programs, create and disseminate model curricula, awards/recognition, data and policy studies. And more?

Current IEEE Positioning

20% (approx. 75,000) of IEEE members are “academics”

Who are they? (e.g.: institutional affiliation, location, sub-discipline, personal characteristics)

What are their needs and expectations for professional and curriculum development

Where do they obtain these services now?

Next Steps

Conduct needs & expectations survey among academic members. Use results to identify member “segments” and begin to develop a menu of services and programs. Disseminate results widely within IEEE

Disseminate curriculum materials from current Real World Engineering seed grant and identify “lessons learned” about best methods for IEEE to stimulate innovation in content and pedagogy

Launch “Emerging Technologies” conference series for targeted faculty and students.

Next Steps (continued)

Raise visibility, and connection, of higher education function with other relevant IEEE operating units

Consider EAB “work group” on higher education strategies and programs