Learning digitally at uLearn17

In October 2017, more than 1,500 educators will descend upon Hamilton’s Claudelands Events Centre to explore the impact of digital technologies on learning, as part of uLearn17’s ‘Learning digitally/Te ako ā-matihiko’ conference strand.

With the Ministry of Education’s recent announcement of a $40 million investment to support the integration of digital technologies into the New Zealand Curriculum and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa from 2018, uLearn17’s digital focus is a timely reminder for educators to explore their own vision for digital technologies and learning, discover how they can prepare learners to thrive in a digital world, and understand what is required to lead a digital school.

Leading this emphasis on digital technologies will be international keynote speakers, Brad Waid and Abdul Chohan. Mr Waid, an educational futurist and emerging technology specialist, will focus on how educators can engage today’s globally connected students. As an industry leader in educational technology, 21st century learning, culture and innovation, and augmented reality, Mr Waid will introduce delegates to the latest technologies and the power of gaming. He will also address the importance of digital citizenship in today’s digital world, where young people are increasingly spending more time online.

Abdul Chohan, director of development for the Essa Foundation Academies Trust and director of ThinkSimple Ltd, will discuss how the transformational redesign of learning with technology has contributed to the success of every student and wider community. As an early adopter of technology in the classroom, Mr Chohan will explore how educators and students are independently discovering new ways of learning to ensure they are prepared for the future of tomorrow.

This year’s uLearn also welcomes international speaker Eric Mazur, along with New Zealand’s own Dr Ann Milne, who will tackle the conference strands ‘Learning for success/Te ako kia angitu’ and ‘Learning in communities/Te ako ā-hapori’ respectively. Alongside these renowned speakers, the uLearn17 programme will feature over 200 breakouts from educators and education experts, a research and inquiry symposium, facilitated sofa sessions, and a hands-on makerspace playground, as well as the one-day pre-conference ‘Changing Spaces’ at Rototuna Junior High School exploring innovative learning environments.

uLearn17 is October 11-13 in Hamilton, New Zealand. As New Zealand’s largest professional development conference, uLearn provides extensive options for delegates to find solutions and achieve outcomes, both personally and as part of their wider school, centre, Community of Learning | Kāhui Ako, or networked group.

To find out more information and register, click here