Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1532278
16 DESIGN007 MAGAZINE I FEBRUARY 2025 design instruction. You need to know the con- cept and materials yourself, and then be able to break the materials down into explainable pieces and explain the concepts. You also have to come into being an instructor with an open mind, and the ability to approach a subject from multiple different angles. I'll oen explain something one way, and the students will say, "I just don't understand that." So, I explain it slightly differently, and I hear, "Oh, I get that now." A good instructor not only knows and understands the material but can explain it from multiple points of view and keep an open mind when their students are ask- ing questions. For example, one student may be coming from a company where the most criti- cal aspect of a board is nailing down high-speed signal integrity perfectly, but another student is coming from consumer goods, so cost and schedule may be their biggest hitters. Watson: Also, we must get the students out of "textbook learning," so we're not just teaching theory. We want them to understand, "is is how it all fits in," and get them into real-world practical experience rather than just book " I always focus on making my courses as realistic as possible for a work environment. " learning. I always focus on making my courses as realistic as possible for a work environment. As they're working through their project, I'm throwing ECOs at them and changes in the design, just like in a real-world environment. I focus on how to adjust to change. Of course, I couldn't do this for a six-week or eight-week class, but it's definitely something I focus on. Shaughnessy: The PCB design community must find thousands of new PCB designers in fairly short order and get them trained and educated on all the disciplines we've talked about, not to mention fabrication processes. Moyer: e key is to change the narrative so we can reach these future technologists while they're young and focus on this as an exciting, well-paying career. ey could be working on the next Mars lander and make a good living too. Watson: I know we can do it. I'm 63 now, and someday I'll be put out to pasture, so I'm looking at my legacy. What do I want to leave behind? Shaughnessy: Thank you for your insights. We appreciate it. Moyer: It's always a pleasure, Andy. John, wel- come to IPC. Watson: I look forward to working with you, Kris. ank you. DESIGN007