Boys & Girls Clubs of America | United States |http://bgca.org

Share a short description about your company:  

Engage, inspire and empower all kids.

What are the key trends you believe have the power to transform the way we learn?

Human learning requires repetition and practice; human cognition requires significant domain knowledge; human creativity requires broad and/or deep domain knowledge. There is no magic learning machine other than hard work, but technologies can help extend our learning and cognitive possibilities. Imagine: What if the trend of 'code workshops' led us more broad apprenticeship learning across disciplines, and away from 'factory-like' schools? What if we got TCDS - mind hacking - right? What if AI could accurately predict, feed and challenge our individual intellects, as a tutor with no bounds? These three trends have the power to transform the way we learn not because the way we learn will change but instead because they support humans' best learning.

The theme of EdTechXEurope 2018 is ‘Eternally Learning’. What does eternal learning mean to you?

I appreciate and laud recognition that we are always (eternally) learning. I'll speak to a second meaning for eternal: appreciation or gratitude. Our opportunity to access date, information and people is unparalleled in human history, though not shared by all equally. One must be thankful for the opportunities we have to learn and, when possible, share that opportunity and access with others. 

What should the rest of the world learn about EdTech in your country?

The United States is a hotbed of education technology entrepreneurship and business. 

Why is it important for all players in the EdTech ecosystem to continuously connect, network and learn from each other?

One must wonder: where does real innovation take place? I believe that when one knocks down national, cultural, social and linguistic barriers, there are rich learning opportunities to be found. For this reason, the EdTechXEurope Summit plays an especially important role in convening the Ed Tech sector. 

How does your current role allow you to make a difference to education and learning space?

My team and I have the opportunity to construct and scale a compelling mesh of digital learning modalities within physical spaces, our 4200+ Clubhouses. Our work borrows from the cutting-edge of retail research, which is focused on creating happy customers and repeat sales, to achieve happy learners who return, time after time, for engaging and successful learning experiences. In that way, we hope to illustrate how learning spaces (schools, other institutions) can change learners' sentiment from "have to be there" to "want to be there" and, in doing so, raise learning outcomes.

Who would you like to meet at the event?

I'd like to meet those of you who invent new ways to weave digital and physical learning/teaching experiences.

When you think about joining London EdTech Week and EdTechXEurope Summit this year, what are you looking forward to?

I'm particularly excited to learn 'from the best' of what has been developed, pursued or approached outside the United States. My ideas, concepts and approaches have not been challenged sufficiently; I look forward to the intellectual challenges that may stem from our discussions!

Join David and our 100+ thought leader speakers at EdTechXEurope 2018 on 19 June 2018 - reserve your place now >>