Aurora Institute

As AI blurs the lines between human and machine capabilities, the concept of agency—our ability to make meaningful choices—has become more complex. It's no longer just about the choices we make, but understanding the systems shaping them. Next week, I’m excited to share these ideas in a keynote and pre-conference workshop at the Aurora Institute, an organization dedicated to competency-based learning and exploring one big question: What is the true purpose of school? This question is especially relevant today, as we consider how AI is reshaping everything from education to the workplace. Think about the growing trend of cell phone bans in schools. These bans highlight how little agency we often feel in the face of new technology, as we resort to restriction over guidance. Ultimately, everything comes back to one word: agency. And in this week’s Substack post, where I share excerpts and ideas from my upcoming book, Designing Schools: How Design Thinking Makes You Irreplaceable in the Age of AI, let's discuss this essential theme of agency. https://lnkd.in/gWmyeZQg #technology #innovation #leadership #management #ai #aiagents #edtech #aiineducation

I'm delighted to share this inspiring conversation between our Communications Director Chiara Wegener, and closing keynote speaker, Erika Twani of Learning One to One Foundation, author of "Becoming Einstein's Teacher. “Erika’s perspective on genius is transformative: it's not about following instructions, but about bringing forth what's within each learner. Her reminder that both "genius" and "education" share the same core meaning—to bring forth from within—perfectly aligns with the Aurora Institute's vision for personalized, competency-based learning.   What particularly struck me was her fresh take on AI in education. Rather than seeing it as a threat to creativity, she envisions it as a tool that empowers students to tackle real-world challenges—from ocean cleanup to app development—while maintaining their unique human capacity to connect ideas in novel ways.   Join us at #Aurora24 to hear Erika's keynote and explore how we can awaken the genius in every learner. I encourage you to pick up her book before then—she's eager to discuss how it resonates with your experiences! Read the full conversation here: https://lnkd.in/g58ibvWk

I'll be on the road for the next three weeks and I'm looking to connect with as many district or building leaders as possible to learn more about professional learning needs and frustrations. Throughline Learning is launching a new professional learning strategy this winter, and we want to talk to as many leaders as possible to get their thoughts and perspectives. If you're attending the RPPL (Research Partnership for Professional Learning) convening in Washington DC this coming Monday and Tuesday I'll be there! If you're attending the Aurora Institute Symposium in New Orleans on November 3rd - 5th, I'll be there! If you're attending the New Profit Well convening in Baltimore on 11/11 and 11/12 let's connect! Coffee, drinks and/or food are on me!