Exploring the future of technology and innovation in K-12.

Innovating the education system demands passion, patience and a commitment to learning. The edNEST EdTech Empathy Exchange is about sharing what leaders in the field " technology entrepreneurs, corporate veterans and community supporters " have developed for the future of K-12 education.

Dr. Victoria Abboud will share a keynote on a humanist"s perspective of edtech as she questions where the human resides in the sea of technology, innovation, and the collective movement of learning in this technological era. This will be followed by a series of presentations by entrepreneurs who are building products for data-driven and empathy-based education.

After the talks, there will be an opportunity for ventures to talk to audience members in an "Empathy Exchange." Through meaningful exchanges, school leaders and students will share what they are looking for in educational tools and programs, how to build healthy relationships with schools, and provide constructive feedback on the tools and programs presented. Attendees" voices can be heard, while simultaneously learning about various tools to improve the lives of students and educators.

SPEAKERS

Keynote: VICTORIA M. ABBOUD " Manager, Senior Leader Programs, MaRS Discovery District

How a Humanist Approaches Empathy in an EdTech World

Dr. Abboud has enjoyed a 17-year career in post-secondary education, the first 11 as faculty in colleges and universities in Michigan, Ontario, Alberta, and Brazil, and 5 years as a college administrator in British Columbia and Ontario. Currently, she designs and delivers programming for senior-level leaders in the public and private sectors, including "Educational Leadership for the Innovation Economy" and "Leading in the Future of Work." She is a certified coach and yoga instructor who supports wellness through her organization, The Spirited Academic, and she has published materials on approaches to teaching for Broadview Press (2007) and Oxford University Press (2011).

Lightning Talk: MATHURAH RAVIGULAN " Chief Product Officer, myCryptoHippo

For students by students: The importance of understanding your market to build meaningful products.

Mathurah is a 17 year old designer, developer and entrepreneur. She loves using technology to build products in the Ed-tech space. She is the Chief Product Officer of myCryptoHippo, SHAD Alumni, MIT Launch X Alumni, and named as Canada"s next 150 by TMX.

Lightning Talk: WILLIAM ZHOU" Chief Executive Officer, Chalk

Data-Driven Education: The next great frontier or a pipe dream?

Data has been described as the new oil. However, does more data always lead to better decisions and outcomes? Is all this investment of time and money worth it? See the role data has played in the history of education and get to know its role for the future of education. Hear why schools are hiring data teams and understand the pitfalls of data and visualization.

MC: ALLISTER GEONANGA " Product Manager, edNEST

Allister currently facilitates and organizes events within the edNEST community. He is also a grade 6 teacher in the Toronto District School Board. Allister holds a Bachelor of Education with a specialization in Junior High/Intermediate/Middle School Education and Teaching from the University of Toronto.

AGENDA

9:00 AM - 9:30 AM Registration + Refreshments

9:30 AM - 10:00 AM edNEST Welcome & Community Shoutouts

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Keynotes & Lightning Talks

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Empathy Exchange

11:30 AM - 11:40 AM Closing remarks

11:40 AM - 12:30 PM Lunch & Networking

FAQs

What's included in my ticket?

Your ticket includes full access to the meetup (keynote, panel discussion, community pitches, and curated networking), a full lunch, and an early membership to the edNEST community with 50% discounts to all future events.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

We're glad you asked! Please reach out at hello@ednest.org, check out our website at ednest.org, or give us a shout on Twitter at @ednestTO!

What's the refund policy?

You can request a refund up to 10 days before the event. Otherwise, we encourage you to transfer your ticket to a friend who would like to attend!

Will pictures/videos be taken of me at the event?

Yes! If you do not consent to your photo or video being taken and used for future promotional material, please let us know prior to the event.

Want to learn more about edNEST? Check out our website!