Of the many buzzwords we hear nowadays, one of the most ubiquitous is “disruption.” From technology to marketing to media, industries are being disrupted, and the agreed-upon rules of how these industries function are being thrown out in favor of new techniques and practices.
Education too is being disrupted as more folks realize that the “factory model,” in which one size fits all, is no longer applicable to our diverse student bodies. What’s more, as industries become increasingly automated and globalized, the old methods of standardization no longer prepare students for the critical thinking necessary to thrive.
Consequently, students, teachers, and educators are facing new questions, such as what does it mean to be a global citizen, and what will the professional landscape look like in the near future?
From November 13-16, these questions and many more will be addressed during The Future of Education Now (FOEN) conference, hosted by the Western Academy of Beijing (WAB). Tickets range from USD 75 for the pre-conference ticket to USD 700 for the full four day experience, with various discounts and promotions available. (Reserve your ticket by Friday, September 6 for 25 percent off.)
Bringing together an impressive slate of education leaders, as well as schools that have implemented some groundbreaking techniques in the ways they approach student learning and success, the event will be a “truly immersive, global conference” that promises attendees the opportunity to “step outside the conventional box, envision environments where boundaries blur, walls move, and attitudes to learning and education evolve.”
Leading the charge will be three keynote speakers whose distinct areas of expertise represent everything FOEN has to offer. Among them is Danica Kragic Jensfelt, a professor at the Swedish Royal Institute of Technology and Director of the Center for Autonomous Systems. With a focus on artificial intelligence, Professor Kragic understands that many jobs are rapidly being taken over by robots, and her insights ensure that students won’t get left behind.
Sessions throughout the weekend will cover everything from designing classroom spaces that inspire creativity, to global citizenship as a prerequisite for modern learners and future leaders. Additionally, students will have the chance to participate in the Real World Learning experience, an invaluable look at what students can expect when they enter the workforce, and what tools they’ll need to get ahead.
For more information, and to reserve your tickets, visit www.wab.edu/future.
Photos: Adobe, WAB, Croatia.org
