Emerging Technologies for What? Designing Programs for Revolutionary Learning

As we begin to see huge global shifts toward online and cloud-based learning environments across all age levels, many are questioning how to leverage life in virtual spaces and places to maximize and support learning experiences that are individualized, transformative, and just plain fun.  In this session, we'll look at successful examples of these programs- their design, practices, pedagogies, and tools so audience members can consider next wave opportunities for their own educational contexts.  We'll explore key facets influencing today's current and unavoidable evolution in digital era learning:  trends in the exponential growth of online students, new standards for online teaching and learning, policies supporting educational change around the globe, advances in cloud, simulation, and mobile technologies, emerging frameworks for new media literacy, as well as recent research showing the positive effects of online learning when compared to face-to-face.  We'll identify examples of innovative digital learning programs and professional development that shift the paradigm to empower teachers and students to assume and model leadership through the use of participatory cultures, professional networks, open content, and global learning communities.  The future is here- join the growing global network that is taking a proactive stance to rethink and redefine education for today's learners.