Combining Technology and Human Interaction in STEM through Innovation to Drive Passion for the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals

Progress on inspiring girls into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers has been extremely slow considering the efforts made and the fact that girls make up 50% of the population. This issue is complex and many different approaches have been done of over the last 40 years. Leveraging virtual education technology Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide’s Women in Aviation International Chapter developed a Massive Online Open Course (MOOC) geared towards girls and boys between the ages of 8 and 14. There are barriers in schools and limitations to career development because of a lack of awareness; the MOOC sought to fill that gap. Young women are strongly influenced by their peers, parents, as well as role models. The MOOC initiative was conceived to combine human interactions through live facilitation of the course from aeronautical faculty, engineers and pilots. The event was completed in a school in South Africa that facilitated the use of a computer lab for the online portion as well as live human interaction. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the significance of combining a self-paced technology course in STEM with live mentors in the classroom to see if there is a significant impact on the students desire to pursue a career in the air transportation industry, particularly as a pilot or engineer. This presentation will discuss the student’s backgrounds, peer, parental and school faculty that were involved in the application and mentoring process throughout the duration of the MOOC and the resulting impact on further eligibility or interest in flight or engineering programs.