STEMNet - Learning from the GamesSTEMNet
Cisco's Inspired thinking
What could be more inspirational than The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games?
For Cisco, the answer would have to be the technology and infrastructure developed for the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games, (LOCOG) and deployed by Cisco to earn the accolade of 'the best Games ever'.
But how can Cisco inspire future generations?
We think the answer lies in encouraging students at all levels across the UK. That is why Cisco is working in partnership with STEMNet, the education initiative funded by the Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills (BIS) and the Department for Education that focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills.
"[We aim]To enable young people of host boroughs to take their first steps towards realising a career in Technology and New Media by having the opportunity to be directly involved in a London 2012 media and technology project that best represents life in their host boroughs in the lead up to and during London 2012."Neil Crockett, Executive Lead for Cisco's involvement with London 2012.
STEMNet Challenge Winners Announced
Rachel Morris, gold-winning Paralympic GB handcyclist, wants her achievements to inspire people to follow their dreams – sporting or otherwise.
That's why she was so excited to be the focus of the latest STEM Challenge. Run by STEMNet (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Network) and the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games (LOCOG) in partnership with Cisco, it invited 11-14 year olds to design a new online presence for Rachel.
The competition response was as impressive as the level of creativity shown in the 80 entries from schools across the UK. This gave judges a tough time whittling down to just eight finalists, all of whom were invited to present their ideas in person.
Full-on day for finalists
The competition culminated on July 6th 2011 at Ravensbourne College, London – a fitting location as Cisco already supports students there and its
technology is used throughout the College. Each team was given the opportunity to present their ideas and was quizzed by the judges. As part of the
day, there were group discussions about the behind-the-scenes Cisco technologies that make television and the internet work. Plus,
there was lots of advice and encouragement for the finalists to consider a career in the digital economy.
One finalist summed up the experience: "I've had such an exciting day and learned loads, but it was incredibly nerve-wracking presenting a website about Rachel to Rachel herself."
Website winners
If shortlisting was hard, then choosing a winner was near-impossible due to the high standard of the entries. The judges –
Rachel Morris, Neil Crockett (Managing Director, Cisco London 2012), Chris Thompson (Director, Ravensbourne College) and Darren
Bolton (Executive Creative Director, DNX Marketing) – deliberated and eventually awarded first place to Blessed Edward Oldcorne
Catholic College. Many congratulations to the team.
The winners' eye-catching design, inspiring content and comprehensive plan to produce the website was highly commended by the judges. As a reward for their hard work, they won £1,000 worth of equipment for their school's STEM Club plus a trip to the World Skills 2011 Conference, courtesy of Cisco.
Supporting Olympic Games challenges
Building an online hub for Rachel Morris is just one of ten STEM challenges for the London Games. Each
competition focuses on a different aspect of the preparations for the event itself and you can see full details
about all the challenges on the STEM website.
As one of the companies supporting STEM Challenges, Cisco is passionate about supporting education in the UK. As Neil Crockett, explains: "London 2012 is about creating a legacy for everyone involved in the Games. That includes athletes such as Rachel all the way through to the school children who took part in this challenge. We're actively helping tomorrow's workforce gain the capabilities and skills to flourish in the digital economy. This STEM Challenge has proved a fantastic way to help build those skills."
This perspective is shared by STEMNET's Chief Executive, Kirsten Bodley: "The STEM Challenges got students thinking about the real-life issues facing STEM professionals behind the scenes of the Games. The aim is for students to experience STEM skills in practice and understand that science and technology doesn't just happen in the classroom, but is a hugely important and enthralling sector to be involved in. STEMNET hopes that further initiatives will help to inspire the next generation of great British STEM professionals."
