Professor Silicon and Professor Maestro-the perfect combination

Abstract:  Abstract There is a growing evolution, if not a revolution, coming to engineering education. The classroom of the future is somewhat like today's, except that every student (up to several hundred) has a computer station or a docking port for his or her own computer. The live professor, Professor Maestro, is present just as in today's classroom. There are three important points that distinguish the classroom of the future: the professor is now focused on the actual learning experience of the students as opposed to dispensing of expertise; the student is focused upon the learning objectives and course content and not upon the technology computer games, etc.; and the combined Professors Maestro and Silicon (the computer) create nearly unlimited flexibility in approach to the subject matter and students' learning styles and needs. Basic course materials must be developed into modules to be utilized throughout the curriculum. When modules are prepared for sub topics of the basic or core subjects like chemistry, physics, mathematics and engineering sciences, these modules can be appropriately introduced throughout the entire engineering educational experience in support of the major engineering discipline subjects (mechanical or chemical or civil engineering, etc). With Professor Maestro focused on student learning, with full application of information technology to deliver modules of core and basic subjects in the classroom of the future, a significant change in engineering education can occur-a revolution in learning