Prepare students for what they want to do: examples of best-in-class courses that inspire invention and innovation

Joshua Schuler — Thu, 07 May 2009 11:51:40 -0400

Gone are the days when undergraduate students learned theory without the opportunity to practice and apply the lessons learned. Today, more and more students are attracted to, and inspired by, solving real world problems and learning by inventing; many who stick with this are then also learning by deploying (innovating).

TechShop: a place to learn, network and invent

Joshua Schuler — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 17:37:33 -0500

Last month I visited TechShop in Portland, OR. For those not familiar with TechShop, imagine a machine shop with a start-up incubator culture operating under a fitness club membership structure.

If you’re a recently laid-off engineer with a great idea, a garage inventor who doesn’t own a specific piece of equipment, a woodworking hobbyist who wants to compare notes on patterns with other woodworkers, or even a teenager who wants to tinker; TechShop may just be the perfect fit.

Teen Spirit for STEM & Innovation: mentors are key

Joshua Schuler — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 13:36:32 -0500

I continue to be inspired by teens – the desire of youth to make the world a better place is gratifying, and what’s even more refreshing is their capacity for real action and air of optimism.

The Role of Group Think in Innovation

Joshua Schuler — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 14:07:48 -0500

Not surprisingly, amazing things happen when groups of inventive people congregate. Edison was able to accomplish so many great things, through trial and error and with the help of other inventors in his lab.

Need for focus on Climate Change, Innovation by Presidential Candidates

Joshua Schuler — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 20:46:34 -0500