AI, ethics and the future of engineering education with Dr. Jacqueline El-Sayed
As digital technologies rapidly advance and industries undergo profound shifts, academic institutions must rethink how they prepare students for the workforce.
In the latest episode of our Engineering the Future Workforce podcast, we sat down with Dr. Jacqueline El-Sayed, outgoing CEO of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and incoming CEO of SAE International, to discuss how the rise of AI, immersive learning and global connectivity is reshaping education.
These advancements present both challenges and opportunities in equipping the next generation of engineers with the skills they need to thrive.
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Recognizing students as digital natives in a global community
“Today’s students have been in global community since they were young,” Dr. El-Sayed explained.
“They’re digital natives, meaning the digital connectivity is part of their identity. It’s a language they are very adept and comfortable in.”
This shift means that students now have access to global feedback, broader collaboration opportunities and a greater ability to quickly pick up on new technologies.
It also underscores the importance of weaving digital learning experiences into the classroom to take advantage of this familiarity with technology and willingness to collaborate virtually.
For example, engineering educators may guide students through an evaluation of a jet engine or factory floor in the Digital Twin to prepare students for today’s virtual engineering and manufacturing environments.
The importance of ethics in AI-supported engineering
Dr. El-Sayed also emphasized that with AI and other automation tools growing increasingly powerful, the human side of engineering is becoming even more critical. Engineers of the future must prioritize ethical considerations and adaptability in their work.
“The tools are becoming so powerful. They’re so quick. Engineers need to be able to harness and work collaboratively with these big tools,” Dr. El Sayed states. On the other hand, she also underlines the importance of the engineer working as a partner with AI.
“When you have tools that are so powerful, the human side of the engineer becomes paramount because the ethics of what those tools are used for…the machine doesn’t have that.”
Customizing learning with AI to accommodate different students’ needs
One of the most exciting frontiers in education is the ability to personalize learning using AI. Dr. El-Sayed shared how AI has the potential to tailor learning experiences based on each student’s unique background.
She provided us with a strong example of a master’s student with extensive field experience who is required to take irrelevant classes just to earn a credential. With AI, learning can be customized to ensure content remains relevant and engaging, eliminating unnecessary coursework and focusing on what truly matters.
Dr. El-Sayed also highlighted how AI can help recontextualize classroom examples or references to accommodate students from different backgrounds. She explained how someone who grew up driving tractors in a rural area might have a very different frame of reference than someone who grew up in an urban environment who’s never owned a car.
“So the examples that are used when I’m teaching engineering is very important because if I’m giving an example that doesn’t mean anything to that student, that doesn’t really help them.”
“That type of customization or personalization of learning is what’s exciting about the future and can help students and professionals focus on the quickest path of learning.”
Dr. El-Sayed’s advice for younger engineers
To wrap up the conversation, Dr. El-Sayed shared the advice she wishes she could have given to her younger self.
“Don’t spend so much time beating yourself up. Just be confident and move forward.”
She reminds students not to dwell on negative feedback, but instead to keep learning and lean on community. She leaves students with an empowering affirmation to carry with them:
“Just tell yourself that you’re a genius —you’re going to rise to the occasion.”
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Listen the full podcast and subscribe today for updates on how Siemens is working to shape the future of the engineering workforce.
To learn more about the state of engineering education in the United States and the changes needed for the future workforce, download our ebook Revolutionizing Engineering Education featuring Dr. Gary Bertoline of Purdue University.
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Engineering the Future Workforce
Engineering the Future Workforce explores emerging and best practices that are empowering the next generation of engineering talent. The series will showcase conversations with leading voices from academia and industry who are committed to improving learners’ digital skillset and mindset to accelerate innovation.
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