Tech showcase spotlights 5 digital projects at ASU
3. Bridge educational gaps with Study Hall
Hosted by Wayne Anderson and Sean Hobson
Sean Hobson, lead designer of EdPlus and Wayne Anderson, director of strategic design and development, took the stage to share about one of the university’s most recent initiatives.
Study Hall is a collaboration between ASU, Crash Course and YouTube to provide accessible educational content to millions of viewers and learners for transferable college credit. The project focuses on three main areas: a series on “how to study,” a series on fields of study and majors called Fast Guides, and a first of its kind path from curiosity on YouTube to college credit.
“By leveraging the technology and access on YouTube, we are pushing new boundaries in our learning architecture, ultimately bridging the gap between informal and formal education and creating enriched and scalable experiences for our learners,” said Hobson.
ASU faculty worked closely with the Crash Course team, led by Hank and John Green, to develop the Study Hall series, which has garnered more than 3.4 million views. The seven-week courses include subjects such as English composition, college math, American history and human communication. This innovative method is to meet learners where they are and offer new ways to engage with the university experience, thus expanding the university’s mission to democratize learning online.
4. Empowering ‘100 million learners’ around the world
Hosted by Laura Polk
The Francis and Dionne Najafi 100 Million Learners Global Initiative, led by the Thunderbird School of Global Management, aims to offer online, global education in 40 languages at no cost to the learner. Aiming to be the boldest and most ambitious global education initiative in higher education history, this program is designed to provide world-class education to individuals who may not have access to traditional learning resources.
The program offers three pathways to help further the learner’s personal and professional development — a basic entrepreneurship bootcamp course (for learners at any level of education) and intermediate and advanced pathways for learners in high school, undergraduate or postgraduate shallow. To reduce language barriers, the program’s content has been translated into 20 languages, prioritized based on the number of native speakers and the greatest areas of educational need.
Future plans include adding another 20 unique languages to reach all learners – regardless of where they live – around the world. Participants who satisfactorily complete the intermediate or advanced programs can apply for academic credit, which can be used toward degrees at ASU and universities around the world.
“Our focus is on delivering transformative learning experiences that not only meet the unique needs of our learners, but also continually adapt and evolve in this ever-changing educational landscape,” said Laura Polk, executive director of digital initiatives and learning experience at the Thunderbird said. School of Global Management. “Through this commitment, we are reshaping the boundaries of global education, ensuring that every learner, regardless of location or native language, has access to an empowering educational journey.”
5. Bridge the AI knowledge gap with Simpli-fAI
Hosted by Mickey Mancenido
The Simpl-fAI project aims to make artificial intelligence more accessible and understandable to a wider audience. Mickey Mancenido, an AI researcher and assistant professor at the School of Mathematical and Natural Sciences, emphasized the need for simplifying AI education.
Mancenido, who is also a graduate of Enterprise Technology’s T4 Leadership Academy, suggests using social media as a tool for AI education, using short, engaging informational videos and leveraging social media’s popularity among younger generations to dispel misconceptions around the new generative technology. At Empower, he emphasized the importance of a well-informed society in our increasingly technology-driven world, highlighting the Simpl-fAI project’s commitment to bridging the gap between AI and the general public.
“One approach we can take as educators is to use social media as a platform to educate learners and the wider public about artificial intelligence technology,” Mancenido said. “We can simplify AI concepts and counteract the fear and sensation that often surrounds them.”
Read more about the annual Empower event here.
