Urban Land Institute: Education Seminar

Hi!
This past week, I attended a seminar presented by the Urban Land Institute (Arizona) in Paradise Valley, "Why Arizona? How Education Influences Our Future". The keynote speaker, Jaime Casap is Google's Chief Education Evangelist, not entirely sure what the title captivates, however it made no difference once he began speaking. Mr. Casap's ability to wield an audience is unlike any I have come across. He advocates for incorporating technology, (e.g. programming) to our primary education system. Moreover, Casap believes we need to start thinking about the job market in a different light, i.e. realize that the positions we hold today may not exist in the future. However, we can and should be training our younger generations for what is to come.

We need to build a culture of 'Iteration and Innovation' - this was Casap's message of the evening. In order for American society to progress, we need to put our energies into fostering this idea of repeat, repeat, repeat and innovation will result. Change doesn't occur overnight, however in today's fast-paced world, it seems like almost every other day, an idea results in new technology. Young people have caught on quickly; it is evident in their use of cellphones, ipads, and use of the web. By encouraging children to explore their passions, and ensuring classrooms are equipped with the hardware and software for these new ideas to emerge, we can continue to expand our knowledge in STEM. Moreover, if children are exposed to new ways of learning in the classroom it may lead to a career in STEM.

The question we need to be asking young people today is "What problem do you want to solve?" instead of "What do you want to be when you grow up?" By asking a specific question with a goal in mind, children can focus their attention to what it is they are passionate about. I have mentioned previously that I would like to work in the area of education/education policy in the future and this seminar brought fourth ideas that I normally don't spend much time thinking about. Embracing technology and realizing that the future is not as bleak as we sometimes make it out to be, is what I have realized via this seminar and Mr. Casap's enlightening discussion on education.

I feel reenergized after meeting various individuals involved in education and policy-making. I am excited about what is to come for future generations.

Stay Tuned~