OVERVIEW

Curiosity, questions, wonder - these human qualities serve as powerful drivers of learning in the age of AI. This modern era is changing at a breakneck speed, leaving educators to grapple with how to best prepare learners for their future. In light of that reality, inquiry is one of the human superpowers that will need special attention and cultivation for our current students. This is an era that students will need to hone in on what humans are good at so that they can then engage the technology in relevant and meaningful ways. Reminding us that it is the learning focus first and then the technological connections. The goal is for students to be perpetually learning, questioning and growing throughout this era of rampant change. Using inquiry methods will not only engage students in powerful thinking habits, but can also address student apathy and disengagement. During this session we will work to create a human focused learning environment leveraging the effectiveness of inquiry methods and technology. Specific classroom resources, unit plans and rubric will be shared.

Note: This event will be recorded and available for later viewing.

PRESENTER

Diana LaufenbergFor 16 years Diana Laufenberg was a secondary social studies teacher in Wisconsin, Kansas, Arizona and Pennsylvania. She most recently taught at the Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia, an inquiry-driven, project-based high school focused on modern learning. Her practice has deep roots in experiential education, taking students from the classroom to the real world and back again. Prior to her work in Philadelphia, she was an active member of the teaching community in Flagstaff, AZ where she was named Technology Teacher of the Year for Arizona and a member of the Governor's Master Teacher Corps. Diana was featured on TED.com for her “How to Learn? From Mistakes” and recognized for earning National Board Certification. Her publications include a featured piece on the New York Times Learning blog, co-authoring a chapter in an educational leadership book, and an article in the Journal of Adolescent and Adult Literacy. 

In 2013, Diana Laufenberg partnered with Chris Lehmann to start Inquiry Schools, a non-profit working to create and support student centered learning environments that are inquiry driven, project based and utilizing modern technology. She currently serves as the Executive Director and Lead Teacher for Inquiry Schools. When she is not working, she can be found frolicking in the forests and lakes of Wisconsin.