2013 NMC Horizon Project Summit: The Future of Education

Over January 22-24, 2013, one hundred distinguished thought leaders from around the world journeyed to Austin, Texas to engage in a substantive dialog on the future of education. They represented higher education, K-12, museums, libraries, funding agencies, and industry, in their diversity comprising a gathering unlike any other, and bringing a range of viewpoints that encouraged the exploration of, as the organizers hoped, “learning, writ large.”

Deborah Howes, Director of Digital Learning at The Museum of Modern Art, discusses some of the main drivers of change in education, similarities between museums and schools, and the place of museums in the future of online learning.

Ellen Wagner of Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET) discusses the Gartner Hype Cycle, data and how it is being used for outcomes-based funding and more. She discusses the issue of balancing where we want to go with what we are held accountable to.

Joe Lambert discusses the evolutionary history and role of storytelling and the importance of cross-generational dialogue and how this ties into projects at the Center for Digital Storytelling.

Steve Hagardon discusses characteristics of institutions and how education reform needs to be a process that invites participation at the lowest level.

Malcolm Brown discusses constraints to creativity, especially within ones's environment, and how this stifles progress in dealing with wicked problems. He then explains how design thinking can help bring us past these limitations.

Martti Raevaara, Vice President of Aalto University, discusses some of the issues in Finland and how connecting students with their community and professionals within it can create a community of learning that transcends the university.

Ruben Puentedura is Founder and President of Hippasus, an educational consulting firm focusing on transformative applications of information technologies to education. He discusses what assessment means and how focusing on technology can mask some of the fundamental questions we need to address in how technology can help us.