WISE Sessions at SXSWedu 2016

WISE partnered with SXSWedu (South by South West Edu) Conference & Festival and co-hosted four WISE Sessions at the heart of this four-day event, held from March 7-10, 2016, in Austin, Texas, USA. 

This event, recognized as a platform for creative collaboration on the future of education, brings together each year over 5 000 thinkers and doers from all sectors.  

By partnering such an event, WISE intended to broaden the global dialogue on innovation and education, strengthen collaborations between communities and sectors and shed light on creative teaching and learning initiatives that are transforming societies. 

Sessions focused on innovative and practical solutions to address some of the key challenges facing education.

Program

 

On March 7 and 8, a Panel and a Workshop on education and employment examined efficient strategies to close the burgeoning skills gap. 

A second Panel discussion focused on the contributions of social entrepreneurs to the education sector and shed light on concrete practices to boost social entreprises that are making a positive impact on teaching and learning. 

Lastly, on March 9, Dr. Sakena Yacoobi, 2015-16 WISE Prize for Education Laureate, addressed SXSWedu delegates to share her extraordinary experience and vision as the founder of the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL). Dr. Yacoobi’s tireless efforts have helped bring quality education to millions of children, especially girls and women in Afghanistan.

Speakers

Rodrigo Baggio

Rodrigo Baggio

Centre for Digital Inclusion

Asif Saleh

Asif Saleh

BRAC and BRAC International
Bangladesh

Maryanna Abdo

Maryanna Abdo

L.E.K. Consulting
United States of America, Singapore

Brandon Busteed

Brandon Busteed

Gallup
United States of America

Mike Feerick

Mike Feerick

Alison
Ireland

Dr. Sakena Yacoobi

Dr. Sakena Yacoobi

the Afghan Institute of Learning (AIL)
Afghanistan

Sébastien Turbot

Sébastien Turbot

NewCities Foundation
Canada

Marie Leznicki

Marie Leznicki

Bridge International Academies
Kenya

More about the sessions

Panels

 

Stimulating Social Enterprises’ Impact in Education

Current education  systems are struggling to meet the rapid pace of change and the needs of millions of learners. Through innovative models and mindsets, social entrepreneurs aim to fill the gaps left open by traditional actors, whether in terms of access, pedagogies or learning tools.

The panel explored the ways in which out-of-the-box ideas are complementing the existing educational offer and setting the guidelines for innovative and quality education. It also examined how education systems could better support new practices in education and the ways in which we should nurture their entrepreneurial spirit to find the right solutions. 

#Socent

 

Panels

 

Education & employment in a changing world of work

All nations are facing profound transformations in their economy, which are due in part to the advancements of technology. These shifts have started to greatly reshape the world of work as well as the skills required to answer new needs. But are education systems and services sufficiently adapting to prepare individuals for a changing job market?

The panel examined the required skills and collaborations to address this challenge. The conversation also focused on ways to anticipate new developments and play a proactive role in shaping tomorrow’s economy. Lastly, it explored the translations of this debate in education systems, such as teaching methodologies or curricula.

#skillsgap

Workshops

 

Education & Employment: Exploring New Solutions

One of the biggest issues of our time is addressing the challenges of a disruptive world of work. In this view, how to build education ecosystems that efficiently prepare us for the job market while also empowering us to shape the 21st century economy?

A practical continuation of the Panel on “Education and Employment”, this workshop explored hands-on solutions to the main challenges of this changing world. In the format of a World Café, a dynamic and structured method, the session hosted concomitant discussions led and supported by specialists. The aim was to generate and inspire new ideas from the collective understanding and insights of participants. 

 

Keynote

 

Education, Development and Peace in Afghanistan

Laureate of the 2015 WISE Prize for Education, Dr. Sakena Yacoobi shared her inspirational experience in rebuilding Afghanistan’s educational landscape in the past two decades. Blending storytelling and lessons learned, Dr. Yacoobi unveiled a fascinating and challenging life story, which echoes that of her country and people. From working in refugee camps in Pakistan to supporting underground schools during the Taliban regime until today, Dr. Yacoobi’s groundbreaking and visionary approach has empowered 12 million Afghans through education.