The ninth annual SXSW EDU returns March 4-7, 2019 for four days of compelling sessions, in-depth workshops, engaging learning experiences, policy discussions, exhibition, networking, and so much more. Through collaboration, creativity, and engagement, SXSW EDU empowers its global community to connect, discover, and impact by providing an opportunity for professionals at every level to participate, learn, and network through their exclusive user-generated session proposal platform, the SXSW EDU PanelPicker program. The PanelPicker allows the community to vote on sessions they would like to see at the conference, resulting in democratic programming.
This year, we need your help with not one, not two, not three, but four incredible sessions with our project partners. Whether you’re looking to up your STEM-based game design strategy with Concord Consortium, using game-based learning to explore ethical decision making with Learning Games Network, meeting with peers to learn more about the role of games in government with the Wilson Center, or exploring the diversity of career opportunities for today’s youth with Big Picture Learning and the Stuart Foundation, we’ve got something for everyone. Read on to rock the vote by helping us road trip to SXSW EDU and join the conversation online with #SXSWEDU #PanelPicker!
Navigating Our Way: Exploring Career Paths
Preparing students for life after high school isn't a one-way street; we must meet students where they are and empower them to make choices that complement their interests. This panel will focus on an initiative aimed at shifting the ways career and technical education are valued, and finding post-secondary paths where none are better, just different. Hear from FableVision CEO/Co-founder Paul Reynolds, Stuart Foundation President Jonathan Raymond (Wildflowers: A Superintendent’s Challenge to America), and Big Picture Learning’s co-founder Eliot Washor, as well as BPL student Anaya Dayana as they discuss navigating beyond a one-size-fits-all model to a progressive movement that fosters student agency.
For more information on the Navigating Our Way movement, visit the website to learn more and view the short film here.
5 Mistakes To Avoid in STEM Learning Game Design
Want to create or select games that foster deep, lasting STEM learning? STEM learning games have fully arrived, and offer great opportunities for learners of all kinds. You’re probably thinking about designing or using some to spark learning yourself! But, how can you choose games that will encourage deeper learning, or design games that don’t foster misconceptions?
Have no fear! Concord Consortium’s design principles—drawn from rigorous learning sciences research—will have you designing and choosing games that create deep, lasting learning and bring out the inner scientist in everyone. Expert learning game designers (including FableVision’s Gary Goldberger!) share insider design secrets straight from learning science in this rapid-fire, top-tips session.
Fact or Fake:
Using Games to Teach Ethics
Today’s fractious media environment poses challenges for educators. Focusing on game-based learning, this workshop provides evidence-based tools to use with FableVision and Learning Games Network-developed Quandary, an award-winning free nonprofit online game, that helps students discern fact from opinion, advance critical thinking skills, and navigate ethical situations. Presented by experts in game design, research and education, this experiential workshop will empower educators to equip students for an increasingly complex world.
Games and the Government: Federal Games Meetup
The Federal Games Guild is an informal community of practice of federal agencies who are interested in application of games, from research to educational technology. Connecting at SXSW Edu, this meetup will start with a speed dating style (brief 1-2 minute introduction) of past and present practices in serious games from government agencies, followed by round table discussions around key themes, such as funding opportunities, case examples, and the growth in gaming pedagogy practices.
