Hi Khushali,
This is Suparna from Bentley Systems. Though this is a very late reply to the great post that you've written, I couldn't agree more with your perception of a holistic education for engineering students that would help them take on the uncertainties and ambiguities of their professional life. Needless to say, the discipline of Engineering no longer guarantees just a profession. Its more akin to a philosophy that is closely linked to the socio-economic and socio-cultural backdrop of any country or region. The by-products of engineering govern our life styles and behavioral patterns in a big way, paving the way for advancements in the way we connect with our immediate environments and eco-systems.
I am particularly drawn to the Socrates inquiry and the first principles thinking that you are referring to. Though both are very interesting concepts, holding on to these theories are in direct contrast to the philosophy of the fast paced times that we live in.
Would love to hear you out. Do take some time to reply to and discuss my query if you can.
Thank you!
This is Suparna from Bentley Systems. Your post is indeed a great read and very relevant to the present times. As far as your concern for the disproportionate ratio of skilled educators to the aspiring learners is concerned , I guess one reason could be the gap in the means and the curriculum of education that was practiced in the earlier generations and the nature of the knowledge that is prevalent in the current era.
The current demand is that of an amalgamation of in depth knowledge of traditional concepts combined with the aptitude of an IR4 eco-system . This in tandem with an acumen to apply the understandings would help us conceive ideas that advance our capacities/capabilities to adapt to and co-exist with a healthy and eco friendly environment.
The fragments or components of technology are more dynamic and volatile than any of their counterparts of the yesteryears. Hence its not just a knowledge of these components that is required but an everlasting appetite for innovation and improved design approaches brought forth by the present cluster of engineers, scientists and technologists that would fuel the constant and incremental improvements to realize the goal of an IR4.0 eco system.
Our efforts at Bentley Systems is to create one such platform where technologists, engineering professionals and researchers can come together to learn, brain storm, discuss and develop ideas to take us closer to the IR4.0 environment. Digitalization of infrastructure is the next big event in the wings and would contribute immensely to the realization of the IR4.0 era.
I do hope that interested educators and students would visit our portal and help us make a valuable contribution to the forthcoming challenges.