Archive for March, 2008

Geoffrey Orsak on Engineering Education

SMU Dean Geoffrey Orsak on Engineering Education

don’t think there’s any doubt that the kids are well-equipped to think and problem solve, but schools are overly focused on preparing kids for their first job. The question might be how well-prepared are students for a very uncertain and diverse future. That is a question that has not been studied very carefully and I would suspect we find the answers to be less than positive.

Just because you spent 20 years in the classroom doesn’t mean you are prepared to step on the other side of the desk and teach. I wish universities and especially the great ones would make the training of teachers a higher priority. It simply is not the case and because of that, all of us suffer in our ability to hire faculty.

the university faculty has two primary roles, which are to expand the knowledge base and translate that to students. The need for faculty to push the boundaries of knowledge is absolutely critical.


Fun with Physics

Coolest science toy ever

Phun is without question the greatest computer toy in the history of the universe… It’s extremely easy to use. As a starter tip, turn gravity off when you’re attaching stuff to the background (right click after selecting “affix” tool).

Very cool for kids of all ages. Kids can learn a great deal just by playing around with this tool – about physics and engineering concepts. This is a great example of technology aiding learning – making it fun and easy for anyone to experiment and see what they can create. Get your Phun (2D physics software) for free. Phun is a Master of Science Theises by Computing Science student Emil Ernerfeldt.

Some other very cool stuff: Cool Mechanical Simulation SystemScratch from MIT


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