16 Tech Innovation District’s Post

Excited to share that University of Austin (UATX) is launching a new Center for Education with a focus on Education Entrepreneurship — and I’m honored to serve on its Advisory Board. UATX’s mission is both bold and timely: to equip a new generation of educators to create and lead excellent schools and learning environments, offering families not just more choices, but *better* choices. This reflects a growing shift: more and more schools of education are recognizing the demand for alternative career pathways among future educators. It’s an exciting moment for those who are reimagining what education can be.

“Pamplin College of Business Faculty and administrators from the Pamplin College of Business will occupy much of the fourth floor of Academic Building One. Pamplin graduate students will have the benefit of being in proximity to businesses in National Landing/Crystal City and Washington, D.C. “

This past week, I had the privilege of traveling to Dearborn, Michigan, to represent the US National Innovator Challenge and meet with colleagues from Invention Convention Worldwide, Eastern Michigan University, Lemelson-MIT Program, Society for Science, and more - all brought together by our shared commitment to the Invention Education Ecosystem. This opportunity, funded by The Lemelson Foundation, focused on discussing the InventEd Ecosystem and how we as competition and challenge organizers can better serve students through collaboration. It’s clear that no single organization can meet the needs of every child, and that’s why working together is so important. We have unique perspectives on how to engage with kids, offering different approaches to education and innovation. Each group brings to the table its own unique approach, through a combination of hands-on learning, creative problem-solving, science experiments, research, and invention education. We all approach things differently. And that’s the beauty of it. By combining our efforts, we can reach more children, offering diverse pathways to learning that meet kids where they are and providing the support students need to succeed. It’s always inspiring to engage in dialogues with people like these amazing women - brainstorming ways to support one another, acknowledge differences, share ideas, and continue to build a thriving educational ecosystem that lifts all students. I’m excited to see where these collaborations lead and how we can continue working together to cultivate the next generation of thinkers and innovators. How has collaboration shaped the way you approach education or innovation? What would you like to see in the STEM competitions and challenges going forward? Let’s continue this conversation! #Collaboration #InventionEd #STEM #EducationForAll #NationalInnovatorChallenge

MiamiTech Month 2024 ended on the eve of comMITment Day for Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Miami schools can be proud that their MIT yield was historically high. Come fall, the 305 will be sending to MIT the largest group ever from of the area’s high schools. I am convinced this is one of the great results of the tectonic shift taking place where Miami is transforming into a global STEM hub. Actually, I think it already has. There are many facts and figures that illustrate that. Here are a couple.

CREATING CONNECTIONS: The Impact of Industry Engagement in Education! 🌟 #LearningInAction #FutureReady: Allowing young learners to explore corporate environments not only sparks their curiosity but also fuels their ambition. Such initiatives add tangible relevance to classroom concepts, enhancing student motivation. 🌐 🛠 #BuildingBridges: For businesses, hosting school visits underscores their dedication to community and the cultivation of future professionals. It's a strategic investment in nurturing the local talent pool, building enduring partnerships that could steer the industry's trajectory. Image: Students on a tour at Siapro's manufacturing facility #IndustryEducation #StudentEngagement #CorporateSocialResponsibility #FutureOfWorkforce #EducationalPartnerships #RealWorldLearning #CareerExploration #YouthDevelopment #CommunityInvolvement #InnovationInEducation

🌱 Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending the Future Solutions for Higher Education conference by HEDx, where leaders from Australia’s top universities and higher education sector gathered at the beautiful The University of Queensland campus to talk all things innovation in higher ed. One particular highlight was hearing Ann Kirschner share a powerful metaphor comparing higher education to the art of Bonsai, focusing on three key elements: 1. Vision – What should this ‘tree’ look like? How will our institutions evolve to meet the changing needs of students? 2. Pruning – Knowing what to cut is crucial. In higher education, this means making strategic choices about what to retain and what to transform, especially as we rethink traditional programs and course offerings. 3. Permanence – This one was especially powerful. In Bonsai, branches can be shaped over time by wiring, which supports the branch’s growth in the desired direction. Eventually, the wire can be removed once the branch is stable in its new shape. In higher education, innovation needs similar guidance and support to foster sustainable change and resilience. This metaphor feels particularly relevant as we tackle topics like student enrolments, engagement, retention, and outcomes. To support students effectively, higher education must be proactive yet intentional – evolving to meet new demands without losing its roots. Thank you Martin Betts and the team at HEDx for organising such an inspiring and engaging day. #HigherEducation #Innovation #AIinEducation #FutureOfWork

If you are attending ACCT this week, please consider attending Dr. Terry Murrell's session "Creating a Future-Ready Campus: How Emerging Tech is Key to Student Success" on Friday, October 25 from 9:15 – 10:15 in room 607, Level 6 of the Convention Center (Arch building). Discover what tech-driven learning can look like as Dr. Terry Murrell shares his visionary ideas on building an education powerhouse. Learn how his innovative approach to technology improves graduation rates, provides highly skilled workers to support local economic growth, and keeps Western Iowa Tech ahead of the curve. Key Takeaways: -New ideas to challenge the traditional thinking surrounding technology’s role in higher education.  -How institutions can set themselves apart by developing a campus culture that is inspired by new and emerging technology. -How to navigate technology partnerships in a way that supports the goals and values of your institution.

Yesterday we were excited to submit our proposal for the Massachusetts Science Performance Assessment (SPA) Ambassador Program, a $1,240,000 initiative designed to empower educators and advance equitable science education across the Commonwealth. The grant is a collaboration between BU Wheelock Center for STEM Professional Learning at Scale, Dr. Sara Cooper, Ed.D., and Brian Beierle's wonderful team at Vivayic, and we aim to equip educators with innovative tools and resources for performance-based assessments, ensuring every student has access to high-quality science learning. Aligned with our Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development's Guidestar, which commits us to "transforming the systems that impact learning and human development for a thriving, sustainable, and just future," this initiative underscores our dedication to fostering systemic change through education. #STEMeducation #ScienceLeadership #MassachusettsEducation #EquityInEducation #NGSS

As a young bright innovative student, seeing the world at large can make you undermine how impactful your ideas can be. 🧎🏻➡️ We are set in place to assist all students find their paths where their potentials are valued and needed to attain a mark in the outside world! 📈🌎 No matter how small the idea might seem. With the right SPARK 💡, you will light up the world. ⚡️ 🌎 #campusspark #buildinginnovation

TRANSFORMING CHALLENGES INTO OPPORTUNITIES It's been a while here😮💨 I miss this space a lot. Serving in Delta state has been full of ups and downs. I was posted to a school and was told to teach agricultural science 😑 I had a mixed feeling of disappointment and laughter😹, I mean how can someone like me be given agric (wetin do maths?!!). The reason I was given agric was that mathematics subject had enough staff already, so I had no choice other than take it. As weeks pass by, I noticed a troubling trend: a staunch nonchalance and disinterest in education among students. Reason being that, many of them believe that formal education no longer holds value due to some reasons, such as high graduate unemployment, the success of uneducated individuals, and the rise of unethical shortcuts to success majorly fraud (yahoo as it's well-known as). Rather than accept this as the order of the day, I, along with a team of fellow corps members, decided to take action. Together, we created MATHEMAGICA, an educational and career-focused event aimed at reigniting students’ passion for learning. The event, themed "Unlocking Potentials, Building Futures," is more than a seminar—it’s a movement. Through inspiring talks, engaging competitions, and real-world innovation projects, we aim to: Show students how education remains a powerful tool for success. Highlight the shift to a tech-driven, knowledge-based economy. Motivate them with role models who have turned challenges into opportunities. One of our initiatives includes constructing eco-friendly seating using non-biodegradable waste, combining sustainability with practical innovation to inspire action. We’re determined to help students see education not as a burden, but as a bridge to their dreams. On January 22nd, 2025, we’ll be bringing together students, educators, and community leaders to ignite this transformation. I’m proud to be part of this mission and excited about the impact it will have on the next generation. Let’s unlock potentials and build futures—together.💪🏽 #MATHEMAGICA #UnlockingPotentials #NYSC #NYSCImpact #DeltaState #EducationMatters #EdTech #CommunityImpact #FutureLeaders