NAIAS from the Eyes of a Teacher: Hands on Learning verses Show and Glam

photo credit: NCinDC

Being a teacher, it’s not something I can shed. I tend to think like a teacher, where ever I go.  As I walked the North American International Auto Show I made some keen observations in regards to education and the different automakers. Lamborghini, Bentley, they oozed sex and too much money. No education, the cars were models. Most companies took this approach showcasing the cars with beautiful models. Press kits were available to “educate” the press but some companies, like Ford, went over the top to really educate. Maybe it’s  Fords deep roots for education or maybe it’s the idea that particular companies realize that new technology is something consumers need to learn about.

I’m a believer in the theory of multiple intelligences. It is my belief to learn you have to touch, feel, smell and experience. Everyone has a different learning style and in my opinion, Ford tried to capture the essence of learning and teach at this auto show. Toyota and Michelin Tires, they also did a good job with hands displays. Michelin’s green and energy efficient tires were there to touch and feel the different treads. They had movies, quizzes, displays and staff on hand to answer questions. It was very interactive. Toyota mostly just had displays to explain the technology and differences between Hybrid Engines.

I come off biased about Ford, I understand this. I don’t drive a Ford but I have and will. I have Ford roots and Ford did host my trip down to the auto show. I’ve tried to remove this objectivity and just look at the auto show as a whole and really soak it all in. Try to understand what each company was marketing, their focus and perhaps troubles verses holding them against Ford in comparison.  This is when I noticed the education and learning so clearly emphasized by some companies, such as Ford.

Here is why I was so impressed with Ford and had I just come to the show without any Ford Motor Company ties, I would still be drawn to what they had to offer at the show.

photo credit: Wendy Piersall