Motivation for CORE

Current US enrollment trends demonstrate that engineering and engineering technology departments are experiencing a decline, or at least a downward fluctuation, in the number of students in these academic programs. To counter these trends, several universities and colleges are implementing highly multidisciplinary, introductory/freshman robotic and robotics-related courses as a means of stimulating interest amongst incoming freshmen, including underrepresented minorities. In fact, according to U.S. News & World Report, 23 percent of top-ranked undergraduate engineering programs utilized robotics in introductory courses. Robotics courses introduce students to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts while engaging and challenging students' minds. Yet, student learning is not limited to academic subjects. Students gain valuable communication, cooperation, critical-thinking, problem-solving and teamwork skills. These are real-world skills that students need for success, not only in high school and college, but also in their future careers.