University at Buffalo (UB)
Looking to the Future of Teaching Technology
By Blake Cooper
Published January 26, 2015 This content is archived.
The next installments in the ongoing Digital Challenges series, scheduled for February 2015, will provide a glimpse into the future of classroom teaching and learning.
February 17: Teaching and Learning in the Classroom of the Future
The first event focusing on classroom innovation will take place on February 17, 2015 in 145 Student Union on North Campus. Teaching and Learning in the Classroom of the Future will feature a series of experts tackling questions about teaching and learning in the not-so-distant future.
The day will begin with SUNY Fredonia Professor Kathleen Gradel discussing the unique educational needs of “digital natives,” students born and raised in a digital culture. In the afternoon, Dr. Sam Abramovich, Professor in UB’s Graduate School of Education, will offer “a provocative look at the future classroom...those with and without walls.” Professor Abramovich’s list of publications and conference appearances focuses on new and innovative ways to motivate students.
February 18: UB Instructional Technology Fair 2015
On February 18, 2015, UB and greater community members are invited to an Instructional Technology Fair in the Student Union Atrium on North Campus starting at 10 a.m. The fair will showcase some of the newest and most innovative products, services and ideas in the educational technology marketplace. In addition to international industry leaders like Sony, Verizon and Dell, the event will showcase local innovators like Interior Solutions and Millington Lockwood, both located in Buffalo.
Both events will offer opportunities for networking and discussion, in line with the Digital Challenges mission to provoke meaningful dialogue around tech-related issues.
Dean Hendrix, Assistant Director of University Libraries, has been heavily involved in planning the Digital Challenges series. He has felt the collaborative effects of the Digital Challenges series from its inception, as the project brings the Libraries together with UB Information Technology, the Office of Educational Innovation and Assessment, and Student Life.
“Sometimes it’s easy to stay isolated at a large institution, but we’ve been forging relationships that will ultimately help the institution,” Dean said. “When you know what the strengths and goals are of the people you’re working with, you can see a difference.”
Both events are free and open to the public. Registration for Teaching and Learning in the Classroom of the Future is recommended, but not required, via the Digital Challenges website.