The Future of STEM Education: Parametric Studios Presents at ISMI Conference
CHECK OUT PARAMETRIC STUDIO CTO CHRIS WHITMER’S PRESENTATION ON THE FUTURE OF STEM EDUCATION AND EARLY RESULTS FROM OUR PRODUCTS.
STEM education is an important building block for the future—entire job sectors rely on a workforce with the math and science skills to keep propelling technology and engineering forward. In this video, Parametric Studios CTO Chris Whitmer joins Teresa Lynn of IMS International for a virtual conference to discuss the dynamic and complex education problems Parametric Studio is working to solve.
STEM is not where it needs to be.
Around 90 percent of the fastest-growing occupations require skills in math and science, yet 66 percent of incoming U.S. high schoolers scored below the proficiency level for mathematics in 2018. That same year, the U.S. had 3 million more STEM job openings than workers to fill the positions. We’re also preparing students for jobs that don’t exist yet—just as 15 years ago, job titles like app developer, telemedicine physician, AI engineer, and more didn’t yet exist.
So what can keep the next generation interested in STEM?
We know the average 13-year-old spends 6.6 hours a week playing games (more than the 5.8 average hours for homework), and kids in the U.S. average 20 hours per week of screen time. Efforts to improve STEM-focused learning have been great, but educators can still be overwhelmed and unprepared to take on the task of making STEM learning truly an integrative part of the classroom.
New approaches, new technology, proven ideas
Experiential learning, either in the form of project-based learning, apprenticeship, internships, or club and competition teams are tried and true ways of preparing students for teaching soft skills, and preparing them for future careers. Engineering is a fantastic way to connect theoretical ideas and practical uses, conceptual exercises and applied math and science, by combining experiential learning with engineering projects you get students ready for the STEM jobs of tomorrow. The only trick is to engage them, give them confidence, and make the learning experiences seem less intimidating. This is where Parametric Studios’ gaming solutions for engineering-focused STEM come in.
Parametric Studios is working to change STEM education.
By combining experiential learning, engineering, and gaming, Parametric aims to get ahead of the curve by meeting children where their interests lie—and training the next generation of American workers, thinkers, and creators to use the critical tools learned in STEM-focused education. To learn more about how Parametric Studios is moving the needle forward with engineering-centric education—and how early studies are proving it works—watch Chris’s presentation for the ISMI conference.
