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New Perspectives on Engineering Education and the Job Market: Challenges, Opportunities

New Perspectives on Engineering Education and the Job Market: Challenges, Opportunities. Dr. Samir AL-Baiyat. Dean, College of Engineering Sciences, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals Dhahran, Saudi Arabia D-CES@kfupm.edu.sa. Outline.

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New Perspectives on Engineering Education and the Job Market: Challenges, Opportunities

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  1. New Perspectives on Engineering Education and the Job Market: Challenges, Opportunities Dr. Samir AL-Baiyat Dean, College of Engineering Sciences, King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals Dhahran, Saudi Arabia D-CES@kfupm.edu.sa

  2. Outline • Historical Overview of Engineering Education • The Future of Engineering Education: Challenges and Opportunities • Engineering Education in KSA • KFUPM and Current Trends in Engineering Education • Opportunities for cooperation • Concluding Remarks

  3. History of Engineering Education • From prehistoric times, engineers have always led humanity for a better life. • Till 1800s, engineering education was learned by apprenticeship (emphasis on hands-on experience). • After 1800s, universities and colleges in Europe and US, started granting formal engineering degrees.

  4. History of Engineering Education (cont…) • In 1932, ABET established: The beginning of an era of accreditation. • 1950-1990, focus on engineering sciences, analysis, faculty expected to carry research • After 1990 - now, focus on teamwork, communications, integration, design, continuous improvement, while maintaining analytical skills.

  5. More focused on abstract themes Instructor centered learning Depth in specialized fields Very little use of computers, Multimedia, Internet More focused on individual efforts Features of Traditional Engineering Education

  6. Companies employing engineering graduates Accreditation boards (such as ABET) Globalization of economy Engineering professional societies Advisory boards Forces Pushing for Change

  7. Future Technological Challenges of the 21st Century Main Features • Tech. development: Multidisciplinary • Markets: Globalized • Environment: Endangered • Social responsibility: Engineering • Change: Rapid!

  8. The Ideal! 21st Century Engineering Skills Essential for Competitive Graduates: • Strong technical capability • Skills in communication and persuasion • Ability to lead and work effectively as a member of a team • Understanding of the non-technical forces that profoundly influence engineering decisions • Commitment to lifelong learning • Skills in design and project management • Multidisciplinary

  9. Main Features of Successful Engineering Education Programs for the Next Decade Infrastructure Students Faculty

  10. Students • Attract the best students in physical & mathematical sciences with leadership potential • Educate & motivate engineering students to be ready: • to implement new technology • to focus on innovation • to understand global trends

  11. Faculty • Select faculty with top engineering background • Select faculty with excellent potential in carrying innovative research and providing leadership with a global look • Select faculty committed to a dynamic teaching environment • Provide faculty with opportunities for self development • Facilitate cooperation with industry & the society at large

  12. Infrastructure & Support • Conducive environment that encourages high levels of productivity • Up to date facilities of international standards • Adopt flexible and clear rules and regulations

  13. Engineering Programs in Saudi Arabia • In 1962, First Engineering College established • Currently, 13 colleges/universities offer Engineering degrees • Some Engineering programs have attained ABET substantial equivalency • Several universities established MS/PhD programs

  14. Higher Education in KSA 1426/25 H (2004/2005) • Total Number of Bachelor Students: 505,932 • Total Number of Engineering Students: 16,724 • Total Number of MS Students: 9,141 • Total Number of PhD Students: 1,139 • China aims at graduating 1 MILLION engineers a year.

  15. Number of Engineers in KSA

  16. Number of Engineers in KSA (cont.) • Number of Engineers for every 100,000 currently 486 including expatriate • Number of Saudi Engineers for every 100,000 currently 120 • Compared to some neighboring countries, there is a need for an additional 100,000 engineers in the Kingdom

  17. KFUPM and Current Trends in Engineering Education • KFUPM prides itself to be the most prominent engineering university in the region • Number of students in engineering:

  18. Focus Tracks in Engineering Education at KFUPM • Communication skills • Online education (use of Internet) • Innovation • Partnership with Industry

  19. KFUPM Implementation Plans • Students • Faculty • Industrial Technology

  20. Student Development Programs Programs Gifted Students Program Personal Skills Program Academic Improvement Program

  21. Personal Skills Program Developing students skills that is needed by job market Special events short courses, workshops Voluntary Community services Academic Programs International Computer Driving License, ICDL

  22. Faculty Development Programs • Establishment of Deanship of Academic Development • Junior faculty programs • Encouraging Use of Technology in Teaching • Promoting Excellence in Research • Summer professional development programs with industry • Involvement of practicing engineers from industry in teaching • Support of faculty in organizing international conferences and workshops

  23. Instructional Technology • Web-based courses • Online courses • E-learning • Distance learning

  24. Opportunities for Cooperation in Engineering Education • Institution level • Faculty level • Student level

  25. Cooperation in Engineering Education (Institution) • Formal coordination among engineering colleges (eg. Gulf Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology) • Linkage of IT resources (eg. Libraries) • Cooperation in distance learning • Unified engineering certification process • Joint organization of conferences /workshops

  26. Cooperation in Engineering Education (Faculty) • Faculty exchange programs (within industry and universities) • Joint research programs • Cooperation in short courses delivery • Joint faculty development programs

  27. Cooperation in Engineering Education (Students) • Student exchange programs • Extra curricular activities • Student chapters of professional societies

  28. Concluding Remarks • To cope with the rapid technology advances, it is imperative to develop aggressive plans and programs to meet the challenges of the 21st century • The future of engineering in the region is at stake: our programs need to be formulated to graduate engineers able to take a leading role in the community.

  29. THANK YOU

  30. Undergraduate Enrollment in USA

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