Why are STEM skills 'survival skills' for kids today? Ask educational technology expert Peter Balyta

Growing up in northern Quebec, Peter Balyta, MSc 00, dreamed of becoming the next Wayne Gretzky. When his hopes were sidelined by an injury, he realized his passion for hockey extended to the physics and math behind the sport.

As a student who once hated math, he quickly noticed how much he relied on it to stay ahead on the ice.

“I had to be quick in the corners or it wouldn’t turn out well for me — my shots were not as strong as anyone else, so accuracy became more important,” says Balyta.

Today his mission is to inspire students to fall in love with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

“STEM education is vital to empower the next generation of innovators, problem-solvers and critical thinkers to make the world a better place,” says Balyta, who is vice-president of Academic Engagement and Corporation Citizenship and president of Education Technology at Texas Instruments (TI), based in Dallas, Texas.

STEM shortfall

Balyta warns of a serious gap between the growing number of STEM jobs and lack of qualified people to fill them — which could ultimately hurt sectors including biotech, mining, electricity and oil and gas.

He points out that women remain underrepresented in technology programs, comprising under 20 per cent of higher-education enrolments. To encourage young girls to pursue STEM subjects, Balyta serves on the board of directors of Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and also spends time volunteering, including at Camp Code for Girls in Austin, Texas, last summer.

“Robotics programs like this one are a great way to integrate and help kids see the connections between science, technology, engineering and math. It was amazing to see these girls walk away less intimidated and more interested in pursuing STEM.”

“My work at TI includes the encouragement of elevating the ‘M’ in STEM.” He stresses the importance of young people wanting to succeed in advanced math classes — and doing so. Without it, STEM-like careers are just really cool to talk about and the promise of STEM is just unreachable for too many students.”

Balyta also spends a lot of time on university campuses. He works with students and educators on projects with NASA, the U.S. Department of Defence and even on developing the next generation of technology for the automobile market.

“I love education — and the kids I’ve worked with have such potential. The possibilities are endless.”

‘Concordia opened my eyes’

Balyta, who holds a PhD, an MBA and a bachelor of education degree, attributes his true understanding of math to Concordia, where he earned a master’s degree in teaching math.

“Before I got to Concordia, I was good at doing math, but didn’t really understand what it was. At Concordia, my eyes opened and I developed a much deeper understanding of mathematics and mathematics education. It helped me to become a better teacher.”