Improving the World Through Technical Literacy

Technology is directly tied to survival and quality of life. It helps engineers and scientists provide sustainable food sources, harvest sources of energy, and deliver life-saving medicines. While technology already has played a significant role in advancing the way we live, there is still much work to be done. The National Academy of Engineering, for example, has identified 14 Grand Challenges for Engineering, including providing access to clean water and improving urban infrastructure, which depend on technology to drive solutions. However, the ability to address these challenges is becoming increasingly difficult because there is not enough innovative and inspiring science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) curriculum to encourage and prepare students for careers in engineering and science.

National Instruments believes helping to create a more technically literate society will have the greatest impact on improving the quality of life in the world. The path to a more technically literate society begins in the classroom, where there is the opportunity to inspire today's students to become tomorrow's innovators. As a worldwide technology leader, NI is uniquely positioned to help advance technical literacy. The company's software and hardware is used in classrooms worldwide to introduce kids to the wonder and excitement of STEM education. Additionally, partnerships with some of the most recognized academic organizations give NI the opportunity to engage students with technology in a fun, hands-on way.

In 2010, NI took on the challenge of determining how it could help improve the technical literacy of students around the world. The company formed a committee consisting of NI leadership and employees and outlined a plan for how NI can contribute and spread awareness of this challenge. The results of the committee include the 2011 commitments outlined below:

• Supplement and develop lesson plans for elementary school LEGO^® MINDSTORMS^® NXT robotics programs to make it easier for educators to implement
• Develop a resource kit for parents that can help them become advocates for getting robotics programs started in schools

While NI has made a formal commitment to advancing technical literacy, addressing this challenge requires more than the passion of one company. The solution requires parents advocating for more hands-on learning opportunities; educators teaching innovative STEM curriculum such as robotics; governments increasing funding for STEM education; companies pledging time and money for technical literacy initiatives; and individuals giving their time to mentor today's youth.

NI is fortunate to work with many people who share the company's passion for improving technical literacy throughout the world, and several of those success stories are highlighted in the 2010 NI Citizenship Report. In addition, NI hopes this report serves as a catalyst for those who want to help make a significant impact on creating a more technically literate society.

All NI education initiatives are categorized within two major segments:

• Empowering tomorrow's innovators with technology and training
• Engaging young minds through mentoring

 

CASE STUDY

Andrea: Sophomore FIRST Robotics team member at Eastside Memorial High School, Austin, Texas

The dropout rate at Andrea’s school is double that of others in her district, and only 20 percent of her school’s graduates are considered college-ready. Eastside is also one of the poorest schools in the city of Austin. Students continually struggle against adversity of all types, including economic hardship, social stigma, and academic crises.

However, the robotics program there is inspiring hope in a seemingly hopeless situation by helping students see that they have potential for a bright future. Andrea is just one example of how FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) Robotics is opening a door of possibilities for students who otherwise see themselves as destined for failure.

“Because of the robotics team, I care about my grades now, and I want a better future,” says Andrea. “I’ve learned that I can do things I never knew I could. And my team and I are proof that the program can change lives.”

 

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