Education pioneer signs up to our future-gazing technology event
Respected education academic, Sugata Mitra has been confirmed as a key note speaker at the newly-launched Jisc Digital Festival 2014.
Further and higher education specialists will have the opportunity to hear from the eminent science and educational technology expert, and winner of the TED Prize 2013, at the Jisc Digital Festival. The two day event, which will take place at the ICC Birmingham from 11-12 March 2014, is designed to showcase and celebrate the best in digital talent, as well as explore the technologies of the future.
In addition to Mitra, a range of experts will be speaking on digital technologies for post-16 education. Acclaimed for his ‘Hole in the Wall’ experiment, which delivered ICT to underprivileged and previously under-connected children in Delhi, Professor Mitra is also recognised for establishing India’s first local area network-based newspaper publishing system in 1984.
As the event’s closing keynote speaker, he will be discussing the future of education, and the potential for digital technology to transform education and research. His talk, which will be delivered by video link-up, will conclude two days of discussions, workshops and networking opportunities for experts and providers from the higher education, further education and skills sectors.
Jisc was established to support education institutions in effectively adopting technologies and to help position the UK as the centre of digitally advanced education and research. The Digital Festival, which replaces Jisc’s annual conference, will offer the sector an opportunity to share ideas of best practice and learn and discuss innovative ways to harness digital technology.
Sugata Mitra said:
“It is refreshing to see Jisc hosting a conference like this. Ours is a time when we need to factor in the Internet into every aspect of education. It is time for teachers and lecturers to be ready for change.”
Martyn Harrow, chief executive of Jisc added:
“Sugata Mitra’s level of excellence in his field, positions him as the ideal speaker for the Digital Festival. His presence at the event reinforces our mission to enable people in higher education, further education and skills in the UK to perform at the forefront of international practice by exploiting fully the possibilities of modern digital technology. He will undoubtedly inspire visitors to make a positive change in their colleges and universities and is a great example of the supportive and engaging event we are aiming to deliver for our customers.
“The festival will enable education professionals to collaborate and share real solutions and make the most of digital technology to ultimately enhance teaching and learning. With a wide range of thought-provoking discussions being lined up and plenty of practical advice to take away I’m looking forward to attending and hope to see you there.”
To register your interest in attending the Jisc Digital Festival on 11-12 March 2014, visit the event page on our website.