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Future of Learning

Holistic approaches to equitable learning

EdTech and other buzzwords fill so much of our thinking about educational design, it can be difficult to see the full scope of challenges and opportunities necessary to design the education system of the future. This is a discussion on the future of learning — one in which technology is utilised, of course, but as part of more holistic approach to achieving equitable learning for everyone.

Our panellists cover the following topics:

  • Futures Framework, early signals that might shape the futures and the axises of uncertainties
  • The importance of research and evidence in the changing EdTech landscape
  • Innovative pedagogy, with equity and wellbeing as focal points

This webinar was held on Thursday, 17 March, 2022.

Panellists

Dr. Saeed Aldhaheri

Dr. Saeed Aldhaheri

Director, Center for Future Studies, University of Dubai

Dr. Fawaz Hazza Abu Sitta

Dr. Fawaz Hazza Abu Sitta

Director, Futures Research, Center for Future Studies, University of Dubai

Dr Ekaterina Cooper

Dr Ekaterina Cooper

Deputy Director of Research Acceleration, EDUCATE Ventures Research

Prof Agnes Kukulska Hulme PhD

Prof Agnes Kukulska Hulme PhD

Learning Futures, Institute of Educational Technology, The Open University

Moderator

Genevieve Smith-Nunes

Genevieve Smith-Nunes

PhD candidate, University of Cambridge

About the panellists

Dr. Ekaterina Cooper

Emerging shift of EdTech landscape: New opportunities to solve old problems

In my presentation, I would like to discuss how the EdTech landscape is changing to meet the educational needs of learners. However, to successfully meet these needs, both the EdTech industry and the education sector should recognise the importance of research and evidence.

What you will learn

  1. EdTech sector reacted to the learners’ needs during the pandemic.
  2. Evidence-based decisions would lead to higher quality EdTech products and more responsible efficacy claims.
  3. Partnership in developing evidence between the EdTech industry and the education sector would ensure a more transparent and engaging ecosystem.

About Ekaterina

Ekaterina is a Deputy Director of Research Accelerator at Educate Ventures Research. She works with EdTech companies since 2018 helping them in developing a research mindset and integrating evidence-based processes into product and business development. She has a PhD in Developmental Psychology and MSc in Public Health. Ekaterina’s area of expertise is research methods and psychometrics developed over the last 15 years through her involvement in a wide range of research including randomised controlled trials and international research.

Prof. Agnes Kukulska Hulme PhD

Presentation overview:

Innovation for a new era: Learning equitably with wellbeing in mind
The post-pandemic educational landscape suggests that equity and wellbeing should be focal points in designs for teaching and learning. The Open University’s Innovating Pedagogy 2021 report highlighted these important themes, and they are coming to the fore again in the development of the 2022 report. This presentation will consider several pedagogical approaches that have been identified within these themes and invite discussion of their implications.

What you will learn:

  1. Technology should be used to increase life chances through education for all
  2. Online and blended education must embrace physical and mental wellbeing
  3. Innovation is a holistic enterprise

About Agnes:

Agnes Kukulska-Hulme is Professor of Learning Technology and Communication in the Institute of Educational Technology at the Open University where she leads the Learning Futures research and innovation programme and the Innovating Pedagogy series of reports. Her work encompasses online distance education, mobile learning, language learning and education for migrants and refugees. In addition to over 200 academic publications and papers, she has authored policy and practice reports for UNESCO, British Council, Commonwealth of Learning, International Research Foundation for English Language Education and Cambridge University Press. Her latest co-edited book, Mobile Assisted Language Learning Across Educational Contexts (Routledge, 2021), promotes sharing of innovative practices and explores emerging themes. She is currently working on projects exploring mobile technology use for education in low-income countries and among disadvantaged communities, and is just starting work on new projects on the future of English and mobile learning in East Asia, and the experiences of ethnic minorities accessing online services in the UK. Agnes’s publications are available on ORO.
Dr. Saeed Aldhaheri

About Dr Saeed:

Dr. Saeed is a futurist, thought leader, author and a public keynote speaker.

Currently, he is the director of the Center for Futures Studies at the University of Dubai, a lecturer of public policy at the Mohammed Bin Rashid School of Government, and the chairman of the board of Smartworld. He is a member of the Global Future Council of the World Economic Forum on AR/VR,

He co-authored the book Digital Nation: How the UAE is building a future based on tech innovation. He has written several articles that were published at Harvard Business Review Arabia and Dubai Policy Review Journal.

Dr. Fawaz Hazza Abu Sitta

Dr. Abu Sitta is the co-author of Dubai e-Government Excellence Model and has received recognition certificates for his distinguished work in the field of organizational excellence from HH. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, His Royal Highness King Abdullah II.

Dr. Abu Sitta is known for his role in promoting government agility and scenario planning. He has co-authored several studies in the field of foresight and Knowledge Management that have been adopted regionally and globally.

Abu Sitta has achieved his Master of Science in Foresight from University of Houston and a PhD from University of Bath in 1995.