The opening session is introduced and chaired by Lord David Puttnam
Learning from Scratch
Mitchel Resnick's Lifelong Kindergarten research group developed the ideas and technologies underlying the LEGO Mindstorms robotic kits and the Scratch programming software used by millions of young people around the world. With these technologies, young people learn to design, create, experiment, and invent with new technologies, not merely browse, chat, and interact. Mitch also co-founded an international network of 100 after-school clubs where youth from low-income families learn to express themselves creatively with new technologies. Mitch's ideas and work are now at the centre of the debate about the curriculum for ICT in schools. Should children simply learn to use standard applications and games, or should they also have the opportunity to become creators?
Open, participative and distributed are Mozilla Foundations aims for the future of learning. Learning today happens everywhere, not just in the classroom. But it's often difficult to get recognition for skills and achievements that happen outside of schools. Mark Surman and Michelle Levesque will discuss approach's that Mozilla Foundation are taking to meet their objectives to re-invent learning and assessment with digital technologies.
What is the Internet doing to our brains?
Dr Paul Howard-Jones, a leading expert on the role of neuroscience in educational practice and policy with a particular interest in how gaming engages the brain and the application of this knowledge in education. Paul will discuss the findings of his recent research that was supported by the Nominet Trust to review the potential effects of the internet on the brain.
Introduction to the 2nd half of the morning session by Gerard Kelly, Editor, TES who takes the chair.
Learning from the fringe
Lisa will discuss her work with fringe communities and ethnographic research. Lisa creates a series of scenarios showing functional relationships between fringe groups and the mainstream that challenges our sense of normality whilst deciphering the values, beliefs and talents of the fringe through personal encounters and the creation of unique services.
Learning via film
Jason Wishnow, FIlm Director at Large for the TED Conferences, explains how to shoot a TEDTalk.
Could this be our final century?
Whatever part of the world we live in we're going to have to contend with the fact that the world is getting more crowded and that each individual is going to become more demanding of resources, energy and food. If we are to cope with this more crowded world we are going to have to deploy science and technology in a more optimum way, a way that requires international partnerships. Martin Rees will present the case that scientists have a special role to play in promoting this discussion amongst the general public and politicians so that important long term issues remain high on the agenda.
Learning from games
Jesse Schell believes that the future of learning is beautiful. Renowned video game designer and frequently credited with popularising the concept of employing gaming mechanics to solve problems and engage audiences in non-gaming software in a technique known as "gamification". Jesse Schell will discuss his thoughts and experiences of how to make learning and education beautiful by using customisation and gaming techniques within the learning experience rather than the kind of standardisation that produces standardised output.
