David Lee EdTech

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzUPOag86Z4 How do we prepare students to create truly groundbreaking innovations? While specialized knowledge is important, history and modern industry suggest that the most revolutionary ideas often occur at the "intersection"—the space where diverse disciplines and fields converge. The Power of the Intersection In his influential book, The Medici Effect , Frans Johansson (2004) introduces us to this concept of the intersection. The term is inspired by the Medici family of the Renaissance, who brought together artists, scientists, and philosophers. This collision of disparate ideas sparked an intellectual revolution that changed the world. Today, this same principle is visible in high-performing teams. Johansson highlights IDEO, a design firm that purposefully builds teams with engineers, linguists, psychologists, and MBAs. It is this diversity of thought that allows them to make unexpected connections that a more homogenous group might miss....

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNbbdLaXVjI Why is diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) important in STEM? To answer this, we must first understand what these terms actually mean in practice. Diversity refers to who is represented in a group, encompassing gender, ethnicity, neurodiversity, and thought. Equity differs from equality; while equality assumes treating everyone the same, equity adjusts treatment to account for disparities and unique circumstances to ensure fair outcomes. Inclusion is about the environment—how valued and respected individuals feel within that space. The Data: The Need for DEI While the US STEM workforce is seeing increased representation, significant gaps remain. Underrepresented groups comprise a smaller share of the STEM workforce compared to the overall population, with Hispanics at 15%, Asians at 10%, and Blacks at 9%. The gender gap is also distinct. According to MIT , women make up only 28% of the STEM workforce. This disparity varies globally: Unite...

IDEO ,  an innovation and design firm, utilizes a design process that helps them develop products that we use everyday (computer mouse, high tech medical equipment, ski goggles, computer screens, etc.). In an  ABC Nightline report , the company revealed some of its secrets and demonstrated their process by designing a shopping cart.  The following are some of the highlights of the report:  The members of the design team were  not product experts , but were  experts in the process of design . The project leader is chosen based on her or his  ability to work with groups .  The design team members are from a  wide-range of fields . This results in different perspectives and solutions to a project.  There  should not be a hierarchy system  in an innovative culture.   The design team  speaks with product experts  (people who use, make, and repair the product) because it is fa...