Pittsburgh Innovations Shine at SXSW EDU 2024
**Summary:** Pittsburgh-based projects make a splash at SXSW EDU with innovative approaches to education and learning, showcasing the city's commitment to fostering creativity and inclusivity in schools.
Summary: Pittsburgh-based projects make a splash at SXSW EDU with innovative approaches to education and learning, showcasing the city's commitment to fostering creativity and inclusivity in schools.
Last summer, Kidsburgh readers had the opportunity to vote for the Parents as Allies project and other Pittsburgh-born initiatives to be featured at SXSW EDU in Austin, Texas. This annual gathering of creative minds in education brings together thought leaders from around the globe to share cutting-edge research and discoveries in the field.
Building Trust & Sustainable Family-School Engagement
The panel presentation on "How to Build Trust & Sustainable Family-School Engagement" was a highlight of the festival, drawing a crowd of over 200 educators eager to learn from the experiences of local leaders. Yu-Ling Cheng, director of Kidsburgh, led a discussion with parent Twaina Williams, assistant superintendent Bobbi-Ann Barnes, and principal Rachel Nagy on their efforts to promote family-school engagement through Parents as Allies.
Embracing Neurodiversity in Schools
Educators from Upper St. Clair School District and ACLD Tillotson School collaborated on a workshop called "Schools Unified in Neurodiversity (SUN)" to address the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent students. Attendees participated in a human-centered design workshop focused on supporting neurodivergent children in school settings.
Imagining a Student-Centered Future
KnowledgeWorks offered a session on reimagining education through student-centered learning and community-driven assessment systems. Participants were transported to a graduation party in 2034, where they explored a future where learning is personalized and engaging.
Creating Lifelong Learning Ecosystems
Remake Learning led a panel discussion on the development of learning ecosystems, highlighting Pittsburgh's role as a pioneer in expanding learning beyond traditional settings. The session explored research on global ecosystems in Qatar and Uruguay, emphasizing the importance of adaptable learning environments.
Promoting Inclusive Art & Maker Education
The Children's Museum of Pittsburgh presented a panel on "Anti-Ableist Tools for Inclusive Art & Maker Education," showcasing new resources for educators to make art and making activities accessible to all learners. The session demonstrated the museum's commitment to inclusivity in education.
Chess, Innovation, and Moonshot Grants
Queens Gambit founder Ashley Priore discussed the transformative power of chess in her panel "A Gamechanger: How Chess Might Just Save the World." Additionally, Remake Learning's Moonshot Grant recipients networked with fellow innovators at the conference, highlighting Pittsburgh's dedication to pushing the boundaries of education.
Stay tuned for more updates on Pittsburgh's impact at SXSW EDU, where local initiatives are making waves on the global stage.
