EAB Introduction

How Much Time Will I Need To Invest?

Now you are probably wondering how much of a time commitment this might entail…  Let's get that out of the way first... I don’t actually think this should take more than a few hours a year.  Here is what I'm proposing:

• 2 meetings (Live, Skype/Zoom) a year... These meetings will be an hour to an hour and half, where we can review the current class outline and have group discussions on recommendations, industry direction, etc.

• 1-2 times a year where I send out the updated class syllabus / outline for review (I’m not expecting you to spend more than about an hour or so of time to review the material) 

• less than 10 emails per year, giving you an update on how the class is going, quick clarifying questions or recommendations.

Can I count on your participation?  For sure, as much or as little participation, is welcome and appreciated.  

Reasons You Should Be On My Mechatronics Education Advisory Board (EAB)

The reason you are here is to see if you would consider serving on my SVCTE Mechatronics Engineering Education Advisory Board (EAB).  I promise, it will not be a huge time sink  This is a class we launched in 2017-2018 school year, and every year, I'm seeking feedback for how we should change it for the subsequent school year.

First, let me introduce myself. I recently became an instructor at Silicon Valley Career Technical Education. (SVCTE).  I have always loved teaching, and teaching High School has always been noodling around in my head… So, in August of 2016, after spending 25+ years at Xilinx as a Digital Design Engineer and Technical Marketing Engineer, I made the jump.

Silicon Valley CTE is a high school targeting sophomores, juniors and seniors from 6 local school districts, including 40+ High schools.  SVCTE offers state-of-the art programs which immerse students in rigorous, real-world academics and skills development designed to support their success through college and/or in their future careers.

If you are still reading, that means that you are intrigued, and would like some more information on what we are planning to cover in the class and what the role of serving on the EAB would entail.

We are designing the Mechatronics Engineering class to be an exploration of the design of "intelligent" systems and products, in which mechanization and control requiring sensing, actuation, and computation, are combined to achieve improved product quality and performance.  Mechatronics Engineering includes the study of electronics, physics, mechanics, and computer control in one cohesive hands-on, project-based learning program. Class projects will include programming (C++ and Python) , robotics, industrial automation, industrial process control, pneumatic, and electro-mechanical systems.

By serving as a member of my Mechatronics Engineering EAB, you will have an opportunity to review and provide feedback on the course outline, curriculum, and key assignments.  The role of an EAB member is outlined as follows:

1. Assist in the review of the course outline, curriculum, and key assignments

2. Assist in the verification of the current labor market needs and market direction 

3. Provide input and feedback that will help design, update, modify, expand and improve the quality of the SVCTE courses 

4.  Give added support and strengthen the relationship between business, industry, community and education

5. Assist in the promotion of the program

How To Get More Information

If you would like more EAB information, visit my class, be a guest speaker, be a mentor check out this EAB Resources Page 

Our Offical meeting for the 2026-2027 year will be in April,some time between  5:00 - 8:00 in my classroom.   I'll feed you dinner... If you can attend, I can send you more specific details on the Mechatronics Engineering class and how to attending live, or calling in on Zoom, Google, or Skype.

If you can't attend my EAB this year, I would still appreciate you filling out this Mechatronics Engineering EAB Feedback Form.  It should not take more than 5-10 min.

Sincerely 

Jim Burnham
Mechatronics Instructor @ SVCTE
Office:  408-723-6477    Cell:  408-603-0925

Be A Guest Speaker?  Yes, the answer is Yes....

• Find Out More

EAB Resources (Minutes & Feedback)

Mechatronics Engineering EAB Minutes

The Mechatronics Engineering from years past are found here: 

• Mechatronics EAB 2024-2025

• Mechatronics EAB 2023-2024

• Mechatronics EAB 2022-2023

• Mechatronics EAB 2021-2022

Mechatronics Engineering EAB FEEDBACK Form

This Mechatronics Engineering EAB Feedback Form is specifically for EAB participants who could not attend the Annual EAB meeting, either live or over Skype.  This is an opportunity to express your opinion on the current curriculum and specifically to comment on how the program could be improved.  After you have reviewed the Mechatronics Engineering course outline, this questionnaire should only take about 15 min to complete.  I'll incorporate your feedback into my EAB minutes.

• Mechatronics Engineering EAB Feedback Form

Reference, Attribution & Resources: