Student-centered learning takes the stage at ISTE 2016
Every year, teachers, administrators, students and technologists gather together at the annual ISTE conference to discuss the challenges and opportunities with technology in education. It’s one of the industry events that I most look forward to and has significant importance as we get to see and hear firsthand just how much learning continues to advance.
At this year’s event in Denver, Dell will delve into topics and themes around student-centered learning and the power of “creation.” From what I’ve observed both personally and professionally, kids are most inspired when they are creating, and we should be applying this toward today’s learning environment. Students feel empowered and more engaged when the right tools are integrated into the classroom that make them feel in control with the support of their teachers. To achieve this, we all recognize traditional teaching methods need to continue to evolve and reap the benefits that technology can enable.
We’ll be hosting a number of sessions and activities along with introducing new solutions at ISTE 2016 under our umbrella theme of “What are you going to create today?”
From hosting Zak Malamed, executive director of Student Voice to provide the student perspective on modern learning and an update on “The Student Bill of Rights” to hosting demos on Minecraft in education and a VR experience of the Smithsonian in the Dell Active Learning Center; we’ll be promoting a dialogue on Future Ready Education, which at its core, is learning with students at the center. A number of Dell partners and customers within school districts and organizations all over the country are also participating in the conversation on topics such as Makerspaces, professional development, 1:1 initiatives, and gamification.
A list of all our sessions can be found here. On Monday, June 27, I’ll be moderating our spotlight discussion of “What do you want to create today?,” exploring the maker movement in schools and supporting creativity in learning. The sessions will feature Andrea Winters, director of Learning Technology, Clear Creek ISD; Claire Shorall, manager, Computer Science, Oakland USD; and Johanna Paraiso, English teacher and department chair, Fremont High School, Oakland USD.
In addition to the various activities and sessions, we’ll also be revealing all-new solutions that are purpose-built for education and designed to foster a more interactive and engaging learning environment for students and teachers alike. Stay tuned for more details on the news.
I’m truly excited for this new era of learning, and working closely with students, educators and our partners on the path forward. Today’s students will determine the world we live in tomorrow. It’s essential we deliver the right technology to continue to advance education and marvel at the amazing things this next generation can achieve.
We’ll have more news and updates to share leading up to and onsite at ISTE 2016. Join us throughout the event using the #ISTE2016 hashtag and following us on Twitter at @DellEDU. As we know, learning isn’t limited to the four walls of a classroom. Feel free to comment with your thoughts on what you are going to create today.
