A case for engineering edutainment in the 21st century

The economic future of the United States depends upon our continued leadership in the development of high technology products and services. Development of such products requires a robust engineering workforce. Unfortunately, current economic, market, employment, demographic, and education trends suggest erosion of America´s global engineering leadership. A definition of engineering edutainment is developed. Reasons why some educators are dismayed by the concept of edutainment are discussed. A call is made for engineering edutainment that spans almost all U.S. demographic groups from cradle to grave. This holistic approach is offered as a critical underpinning for the foundation of the engineering workforce of the next century. It is put forth that the holistic approach is best accomplished through alliances including engineering faculty, K-12 educators, and practitioners from industry. Finally, guidelines to avoid the pitfalls of edutainment are provided