ASU+GSV Summit is almost here!
via Giphy
Running from April 17 to 19, 2023’s theme is “Brave New World.” This summit is focused on “Imagining a new era in which all people have equal access to the future.” As you might have been able to tell by the name, ASU+GSV is a gathering put together by Arizona State University and Global Silicon Valley, a growth investment platform. In 2010, ASU and GSV joined forces to launch the summit, which brings together experts committed to revolutionizing education and the workplace. The event’s ultimate goal is to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities to shape the future.
We don’t know about you, but we’re extra hyped for this conference, especially considering our VP of Partnerships and Business Development, Jennifer Javornik, will be in attendance. If you work at the intersection of education and play, or want to learn more about Filament Games’ services, or if you’re interested in exploring how you can partner with us to further our mission to make robotics, engineering, and coding accessible to everyone, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Jennifer! She’d be happy to hear from you.
If you’ve taken a peek at the ASU+GSV schedule and you also share our love of game-based learning, you’re probably wondering which sessions to attend. The agenda is jam-packed, and unfortunately, you can’t be in five different places at once. With such a massive number of sessions, panels, and workshops to choose from, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed when mapping out your ASU+GSV experience. But have no fear, friends of Filament – to aid in your planning, we’ve assembled the following list of all the game-based learning, edtech, and immersive learning sessions offered at this year’s event!
Game-based Learning
Learn from the creators of Giant Steps, a new digital learning experience that uses gamification to engage students and foster positive classroom environments! This session will explore how Giant Steps was developed by integrating learning science and educational research to maximize the effectiveness of the platform. The team will also discuss the potential of personalized interventions to accelerate student learning and precisely measure student mastery. By attending this session, you will gain insight into the team’s approach to gamification, inclusivity, and the application of learning science in the product development process.
Speakers: Tyler Shaddix (GoGuardian), Mariana Aguilar (GoGuardian), Melissa Serio (GoGuardian), Kate Moore (GoGuardian), Amber Trout (GoGuardian)
In this panel discussion, several industry leaders will examine the relationship between gaming and learning. Learn more about how advancements in technology, such as virtual and augmented reality, blockchain, and decentralized networks, are transforming education. The experts will share their perspectives on the intersection of gaming and learning and how these technological advancements are shaping their approaches to both!
Speakers: Matt Dalio (Endless), Adam Seldow (Roblox), Steven Isaacs (Epic Games), Liam Don (ClassDojo); moderated by Jessica Lindl (Unity)
EdTech
Check out this panel of innovative superintendents as they explore the potential of edtech in shaping the future of education! The panelists will discuss how strategic partnerships with edtech companies can create opportunities for the next generation of learners. This session will provide insight into the essential role that edtech can play in education, and how collaboration between educators and technology companies can lead to a more effective learning experience. Attend to hear fresh perspectives on how technology can be harnessed to support student success!
Speakers: Thomas Taylor (Stafford County Public Schools), Christina Grant (DC Office of the State Superintendent), Iranetta Wright (Cincinnati Public Schools), Heather Tow-Yick (Issaquah School District); moderated by Barbara Jenkins (Chiefs for Change)
From early childhood education to lifelong learning, technology-enabled learning is becoming increasingly important. To meet the demands of the market, edtech solutions must be evidence-based, compliant with the Every Student Succeeds Act, and accessible to all educators and students. This panel discussion is about the factors that districts consider when evaluating edtech solutions and interventions. Panelists will examine what it means to be ESSA-level certified and how edtech companies can work towards this certification. Discover valuable insights into the criteria that districts use to evaluate edtech solutions, as well as the importance of evidence-based practices in the industry.
Speakers: Roberto Rodriguez (US Department of Education), Sunil Gunderia (Age of Learning), Dana Bryson (Study.com), Karl Rectanus (Learn Platform); moderated by Emily Tate Sullivan (EdSurge)
This panel explores the current state of the edtech industry in China, which has faced significant regulatory challenges since 2021, particularly with regard to the expansion of K-12 education. As a result, many education companies in China have struggled or failed. However, some companies have successfully restructured and pivoted their strategies to adapt to the changing landscape. This session will explore the experiences of these remaining companies and examine whether China’s education industry is ready for a new beginning.
Speakers: Cindy Mi (VIPKID), Mark Luo (Spark Education Group), Tim Xie (QuantaSing Group); moderated by Joy Chen (GSV)
While Europe boasts some of the strongest educational systems and universities in the world, the region also presents linguistic, cultural, and regulatory complexities that can make it difficult for companies to expand internationally. This session will feature CEOs from innovative and dynamic European edtech companies who will share their experiences of building and scaling their businesses. Attendees will get an inside look into the challenges and opportunities facing European edtech companies, and learn strategies for overcoming obstacles to global expansion.
Speakers: Anton Pavlovskyi (Headway), Joel Hellermark (Sana Labs), Pierre Dubuc (OpenClassrooms), Felix Ohswald (GoStudent GmbH); moderated by Marie-Christine Levet (EDUCAPITAL)
Over the past three years, Indian edtech startups have experienced rapid growth, with many achieving high valuations and raising significant amounts of capital. However, in 2022, slower post-pandemic growth and a correction in tech valuations led to a decrease in attention and investment for Indian edtech companies. Featuring leaders from some of the largest and most important Indian edtech companies, this panel discussion will provide an insider’s perspective on the industry. Learn more about obstacles, potential, and predictions for the future within the Indian edtech ecosystem.
Speakers: Phalgun Kompalli (UpGrad), Mihir Gupta (Teachmint), Mukul Rustagi (Classplus), Sumit Jain (Graphy by Unacademy); moderated by Pratik Poddar (Nexus Venture Partners)
Attend this workshop to learn about the Department of Education’s Small Business Innovation Research program! With an annual budget of $13 million, this program offers up to $1.25 million in awards for the development and evaluation of new education technology products. The session will provide valuable information on what makes a strong proposal for the program, as well as offer time for Q&A about individual project ideas.
Speaker: Edward Metz (US Department of Education)
This session discusses the potential of the Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) region to become a global edtech hub due to the increasing investments in technology and the young, rapidly growing population. However, the panel will also address the challenges and complexities that come with innovation and change in the region. Leaders in the education sector will share their insights on how the MENA region can be leveraged as a technology export market while empowering and uplifting learners in the process.
Speakers: Geoffrey Watson (Minerva Project), Quddus Pativada (DigestAI), Yousef Alhusaini (Baims), Iliana Montauk (Manara); moderated by Badr Ward (Lamsa)
Interested in the current and future state of early childhood education, and the role that edtech plays in shaping it? This panel of experts will explore the latest trends and innovations in early childhood education technology, highlighting its potential to support and enhance young learners’ development and education outcomes. The panel will focus on the impact of technology on early childhood education and its potential to revolutionize the industry.
Speakers: Sara Mauskopf (Winnie), Martyn Farrows (SoapBox), Sara DeWitt (PBS), Chris Bennett (Wonderschool), Chian Gong (Reach Capital); moderated by Isabelle Hau (Stanford Accelerator for Learning)
This panel discussion will focus on building successful edtech companies in Latin America. With the region’s diverse and evolving start-up hubs, there are many opportunities for growth but also significant challenges. The panelists, made up of experienced investors and company leaders, will share their insights on attracting capital, developing a strategy, and navigating the cultural and regulatory differences of the region to achieve success in the global market. Investors will also gain valuable advice on what to look for in companies from the region.
Speakers: Sullyen Almeida (monashees), Mariana Costa (Laboratoria), Marta Forero (UBITS), Marco Fisbhen (Descomplica); moderated by Sergio Monsalve (Roble Ventures)
Featuring edtech entrepreneurs from Teach For All‘s global network, this panel will center around integrating online and offline learning to reach students in remote areas in countries such as Uganda, Rwanda, Cambodia, and India. The panelists will explore the potential of technology as a tool to bridge the digital divide and provide equal access to education. They will also discuss the roadblocks they faced and the strategies they used to successfully blend technology with traditional teaching methods.
Speakers: Richard Wilson (Maths Pathway), Seemant Dadwal (Meraki Foundation), Erin Fitzgerald (Yiya Solutions Inc); moderated by Aimée Eubanks Davis (Braven)
With the advancement of technology, edtech companies are no longer limited to one or two markets and are now serving global audiences across multiple sectors. This session will discuss the growth of edtech companies in the global market. After exploring the opportunities and challenges of building an edtech company with a global focus, panelists will also examine the impact on entrepreneurs, educators, students, and policymakers. The discussion will also address how technology has helped to break down geographical barriers in education.
Speakers: Krishna Kumar (Simplilearn Solutions Private Limited), Avi Warshavsky (MindCET), Ashley Chiampo (Emeritus), Frith Maier (NEI), Marni Baker-Stein (Coursera); moderated by Antoine Colaco (Valor Capital Group)
Immersive Learning
Experts in virtual reality, game design, and education technology will share their insights on how these platforms can be used to enhance research and outcomes in higher education. This session discussion will focus on the use of virtual worlds and immersive technologies, such as the metaverse, in higher education. Panelists will also cover the potential benefits and challenges of using the metaverse in education, and how it could shape the future of teaching and learning.
Speakers: Muhsinah Morris (Morehouse College), Monica Arés (Th3 Third Door), Josh Reibel (Dreamscape Learn), Jim Chilton (Cengage Group), Kristina Francis (Jobs for the Future); moderated by Rachel Forman (McKinsey & Company)
Experts in the field will break down how AR and VR technologies are being utilized to train employees in different industries. The speakers will share their knowledge and experience about how these technologies can be used to improve employee training and development. The discussion will also touch on the potential benefits and challenges of using AR and VR for workforce training.
Speakers: Eileen McGivney (Harvard University), Sabina Schneider (Globant), Justin Barad (Osso VR), Derek Belch (Strivr); moderated by Kevin Truong (Unity)
Have you heard of a project called Dreamscape Learn (DSL)? Currently being developed at Arizona State University in collaboration with Dreamscape Immersive, DSL combines advanced experiential pedagogy with cinematic storytelling through virtual reality to create unique and emotionally engaging VR labs for learning. Speakers will discuss DSL’s long-term goals and current research efforts, including early findings from the Action Lab, a learning laboratory dedicated to scholarly research. The session will also focus on the potential impact of using emerging technology for learning in the 21st century.
Speakers: Annie Hale (EdPlus at Arizona State University), John Vandenbrooks (Arizona State University), Lisa Flesher (Arizona State University), Michael Angilletta (EdPlus at Arizona State University)
In this panel discussion, experts will discuss how XR (extended reality) technologies such as virtual and augmented reality can be used to enhance student engagement and learning in the classroom. They will explain the potential benefits of using XR to create immersive learning experiences and how this technology can be integrated into the classroom to improve educational outcomes.
Speakers: Josh Reibel (Dreamscape Learn), Aditya Vishwanath (Inspirit VR), Michael Jensen (Labster), Vijay Ravindran (Floreo), Emilie Joly (Zoe Immersive); moderated by Rob Sherman (Meta)
This session will focus on exploring the role of social and emotional learning (SEL) in the metaverse. The MetaverSEL Group (TMG) at National University is dedicated to identifying effective approaches to learning in the XR medium while integrating SEL practices. The panelists will present TMG’s work and discuss ways to adapt whole learner supports and SEL practices to virtual realities. Attendees will be invited to participate by asking questions, sharing concerns, and setting goals related to designing and supporting learning in virtual realities.
Speaker: Brian Arnold (National University)
Have a great time in San Diego, and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more useful guides like this one!
More game-based learning guides and resources:
Top Game-Based Learning Conferences to Attend in 2023 | Filament Games
10 Amazing Edtech, Robotics, STEM, and Game-based Learning Podcasts | Filament Games
5 New Game-based Learning Books | Filament Games