FutureShots 2024: AI for Education | May 9 | H-FARM

Experiencing the Future of Innovation and Artificial Intelligence at FutureShotsFutureShots 2024 is our innovation festival, now in its sixth year! From May 9 to May 11, almost 2,000 professionals, entrepreneurs, educators, innovators, managers, CEOs, startuppers, teachers, influencers, artists, gamers, musicians, and students joined us for talks, workshops, and experiences to explore the latest developments in artificial intelligence in education, business, and many other industries.Main partner: AudiPartners: AccessiWay • EduTech EuropeTechnical partners: QLASH • La Romana • Gallo PubblicitàWATCH AI FOR EDUCATION ON H-FARM PLUS FutureShots May 9: Artificial Intelligence for Education, Schools, and Universities with Europe’s Top EduTech SpeakersIn collaboration with EduTech Europe, the leading European EdTech fair, and under the patronage of the Regional School Office for Veneto, this day was dedicated to the impact, opportunities, and challenges of AI and new technologies on the way we teach, learn, and think about education.We discussed how technology and AI can make education more effective and inclusive, can reshape school and university learning environments, contributing to a new pedagogy for the digital age, and can provide students with the awareness and skills to excel in the new era of work, especially facing competition from emerging countries like India and China. As one of the best EduTech events in Europe, FutureShots brought together leading experts in education and technology.The Leader’s Guide to Artificial Intelligence in EducationLaura Knight, Director of Digital Learning at Berkhamsted SchoolShould we think of AI as a threat or an opportunity in education? And in society? Both. AI is definitely here to stay, and it’s reshaping how we teach and learn: in the classroom, it can support adaptive and accessible learning within an ethical framework. Data can be used to refine assessments and streamline processes, while ensuring devices are ethically sourced and used. A big part of this is managing connectivity and infrastructure smartly, with a focus on effective filtering and monitoring.AI also crafts powerful, tailored learning experiences. It offers dynamic question banks, instant feedback, and natural language interactions that make learning smoother and more intuitive. Plus, it turns abstract concepts into engaging simulations and virtual worlds, complete with customized visuals and expert insights on tap.Tips for educators looking to bring AI into their classroom:Train on principles, not on tools. Tools change too fastTell and show, then show again: live or video demosBuild resilience, curiosity and critical thinkingPersonalize to address all learning needsThriving in the Digital Age: A Strategic Guide to EdTech TransformationAlessandro Bilotta, Content Director for EDUtech at Terrapinn – Carlos Garriga Gamarra, CIO at IE University – Gary Henderson, Director Of Information Technology at Millfield School – Donatella Solda, President of Edtech Italia – Diego Pizzocaro, CEO of H-FARM AI We are changing the way we interact with knowledge. Cutting-edge technologies like generative AI and Web3 not only help improve student outcomes but also enable schools and universities to be ready for the new digital era. They enrich traditional teaching methods and offer innovative ways to stay agile and resilient in the face of challenges.By exploring the dynamic role of technology in education, we’ve realized that these changes not only enhance today’s educational experience but also prepare us to successfully navigate the complex world of tomorrow. As we continue to adopt and experiment with these technologies, we are moving closer to an educational model that can truly revolutionize the experiences of students and teachers.

Spotlight on EdTech StartupsMatteo Bagnato, Managing Director at EdTech Italia – Matteo Fabbrini, CEO of FABA – Timothy O’Connell, Director at H-FARM Entrepreneurship & Startup CenterThe EdTech startup scene in Italy and Europe is thriving. Artificial intelligence and exponential technologies are shaping the work of startups and their growth, particularly in the EdTech sector, with innovative solutions designed to meet the needs of educators, families, children, and students. For example, Matteo Fabbrini founded FABA, a startup that creates high-tech games and audio content for children aimed at reducing screen time—named among Europe's most promising startups.The EdTech scene in Italy is on the rise, notes Matteo Bagnato. With Edtech Italia, an association that brings together startups, scaleups, companies, investors, and institutions, he aims to enhance education and training through innovation. Embracing change is crucial to seize these opportunities: tailored learning paths, personalized feedback, and preventing school dropout are just a few of the benefits of AI. This technology also allows teachers to focus on important interactive activities with students and avoid repetitive and tedious tasks.Opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs are also increasing, with governments and companies offering acceleration and investment programs to boost the growth of EdTech businesses. A brilliant example is FuturED, an EduTech acceleration program we promote with CDP Venture Capital, that identifies the best startups that use artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to enhance learning experiences at all levels: school, university, and corporate. The selected startups pitched right on FutureShots’ stage.

Pedagogy in the Digital Age: Unleashing Technology to Transform Classroom and MindsAmy Hollier, Director of Production at King’s College London – Mauro Bordignon, Head of Academics and Pedagogical Innovation at H-FARM International SchoolPedagogy is undergoing a huge transformation as technology reshapes both classrooms and learning methods. Integrating technology into education isn’t just about using new tools; it’s about seamlessly blending these tools with solid educational practices to enhance learning. This integration offers exciting possibilities, unlocking innovative ways to engage students and redefine learning spaces beyond traditional boundaries.AI tools not only support personalized learning experiences but also help in identifying educational trends and gaps, making learning more effective and tailored to individual needs. The combination of these technological advancements promises to revolutionize education by making it more interactive, inclusive, and adaptive to the evolving world. This is an exhilarating time for educators and learners alike as we explore the vast potential of technology in education.AI for a Sustainable Future: Empowering Students to Make a DifferenceJean Wu, Director of Green Office Sustainability Programs at Franklin University – Jordan King, Global Opportunity Scholar at Franklin University Switzerland – Gemma Gwilliam, Head of Digital Learning, Education, and Innovation and Strategic Lead at “Portsmouth: the Digital City”AI is a game-changer when it comes to driving sustainability, achieving the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (Agenda 2030), and revolutionizing industries—and it’s even more powerful in the hands of students and young generations. For them, AI isn’t just a subject to study; it’s a tool to tackle environmental challenges. However, it’s crucial that schools and universities prepare students to be responsible global citizens who can create a positive impact and support them in bringing sustainable ideas to life.Empowering students to become changemakers is key—they’re the ones who will keep pushing the boundaries of what AI can do for the Earth.

Building A Thriving School In A Digital WorldGemma Gwilliam, Head of Digital Learning, Education, and Innovation and Strategic Lead at “Portsmouth: the Digital City”More than just throwing tech into the classroom: building a future-ready school means seamlessly integrating your digital strategies with your school’s main goals. It’s important to get everyone on board – teachers, students, even suppliers – from the get-go, to ensure your digital transformation really takes off.So, think about what you really want your school to achieve and how you’re going to get there. By 2024, shouldn’t all teachers be tech-savvy? It’s not just up to the computer science teachers anymore – every educator should be using digital tools and schools should constantly update their teachers’ toolkits and encourage them to soak up new ideas and methods and connect with other educational leaders.Tips for school educators:Stop – know where you are nowRead – figure out where you want to goReview – plan how to get there and build a solid teamReflect – constantly review what you’re doingChallenge-Based Learning: Tech-Enabled Experiences with Human Touch and Social ImpactGiuseppe Folonari, Operations & Growth at Onde AlteChallenge-based learning flips the traditional classroom on its head by encouraging students to become designers, innovators, and even hackers, while teachers morph into guides for this exploration journey. Technology is the key tool for immersive learning experiences that tackle big issues like diversity, sustainability, and women’s empowerment.Think about a classroom where tech opens up whole new ways to learn and interact – preparing students to think big and creatively solve real-world problems. For example, a 3D printing lab where students design tools to make school life better for peers with disabilities. Or, an AI storytelling workshop where kids create a fairy tale set in the future, picking themes that matter to them and using AI to help write the story, animate scenes, and compose the soundtrack.Building a Future-Ready University: The Cornerstones of SuccessCarlos Garriga Gamarra, CIO at IE UniversityTo build a future-ready university, you need to start with a solid plan where technology helps push the organization’s mission forward. It’s all about making sure that digital strategies enhance what the university is trying to achieve overall, rather than just adding tech for the sake of it.It’s crucial to get everyone involved in crafting and implementing the strategy, ensuring that the digital plans really resonate and succeed. Investing here means everyone’s prepared to handle new tech and tools effectively, which is key to thriving in today’s educational landscape. Safe and Smart: Navigating Digital Citizenship in SchoolsRuggero Cortese, Apple Professional Learning Specialist & Professor at H-FARM International SchoolFrom a young age, kids need to learn how to handle tech smartly and responsibly. Starting as early as kindergarten, we need to teach them to grow up tech-savvy without misusing the tools at their fingertips.There’s a big gap between what schools teach and what the real world of business expects. We’ve got to fix that by teaching kids the tech skills they’ll actually need on the job and helping them learn to think critically, collaborate, and get creative. This approach helps them get comfortable with technology in a way that’s healthy and constructive. Authentic Assessment in Response to AIAmy Hollier, Director of Production at King’s College LondonIn the new AI era, how to measure knowledge while ensuring that students develop critical skills and analytical thinking? This shift calls for a move towards more authentic assessments – tasks that mirror real-world challenges and require students to apply what they’ve learned in practical, meaningful ways.In classrooms where AI plays a role, traditional tests might not suffice. Instead, educators can design projects that simulate real-life problems where students must use AI tools responsibly and effectively. For example, a project might involve analyzing data trends with AI software to make decisions or solve problems that one might encounter in their future careers.This kind of assessment does more than test knowledge; it prepares students for the digital world, fostering essential skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical reasoning. By integrating AI into these assessment methods, educators can provide a more dynamic and relevant learning experience that equips students with the skills they need to succeed in a tech-driven environment.