Audience Classification: Digital Learning Audience Expertise: Cutting-Edge - Future-focused innovators exploring bold, experimental, and emerging ideas shaping digital learning. Grade Level Focus: Pre-K, Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools Primary Audience: All attendees Does this session focus on a specific product? No – This session is focused on ideas, strategies, or practices, not a specific product or service.
Chief Strategy Officer Berrien Springs Public Schools Stanwood, MI, United States
Abstract Description : This interactive session invites participants to “step into the ring” and duke it out [intellectually, of course] with leaders across the field of education. Using a flash-debate style format, an expert from the field will pose a provocative claim to the room and then invite collegial and respectful counterpositions to join the stage. The claims will challenge long-standing and broadly-accepted notions about teaching and learning. Participants will steer the conversations while navigating the tensions between tradition and transformation. The session emphasizes respectful dissent and the power of intellectual vulnerability to advance innovation. SurroundED is not a debate to win. The dialogue is a catalyst to think differently about what schools can become and will hopefully inspire all attendees to reconsider the things they think they know about education.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this session, participants will be able to … articulate thoughtful considerations and personal convictions that were piqued during the session. Whether participating actively in the ring or only observing those courageous enough to do so, all attendees should feel equipped to bring these topics back to their teams to prompt meaningful discussions that might lead to impactful decisions in their own districts, schools, and classrooms.
At the end of this session, participants will be able to … describe alternate philosophies regarding critical topics and current themes in the field of education. They will acknowledge the potential of dissenting viewpoints and rely on the cumulative knowledge of the room to help inform their own stances.
