Lessons Learned from SXSW EDU

Stepping out into the bustling streets of Austin for the first time, I was immediately greeted by the city’s unique architecture and the constant birdsong of the great-tailed grackles, immediately setting the tone for an unforgettable experience at SXSW EDU. The energy was just as vibrant as I joined the throng of attendees inside the convention center, all buzzing with anticipation for the days ahead. I’m excited to share with you all the sessions I found to be the most intriguing and inspiring:

• Monday
  • Unraveling Myths About Critical Race Theory in Education 🔉📺Sitting in on this discussion with Dr. Kimberlé Crenshaw was a revelation. It drove home the importance of DEI efforts in education, underlining UBalt’s dedication to fostering an inclusive environment. It’s about acknowledging and addressing the systemic injustices that pervade our society—a mission we’re deeply committed to at UBalt.
  • A Learning Landscape for Impact-Driven EducationThe workshop was a deep dive into crafting educational environments that empower students to leave a positive mark on society. Rotterdam’s approach, blending eight key pedagogical principles, could offer valuable lessons for UBalt as we strive to enrich our educational models with real-world impact.
• Tuesday
  • Equity Concerns in AI & Education 🔉This session peeled back the layers on AI’s role in education, spotlighting equity as a paramount concern. The dialogue between AI developers and educators underscored the need for thoughtful integration of technology, ensuring it’s a tool for inclusivity, not a barrier.
  • Promise & Peril: The Potential of Our Community Colleges 🔉📺Community colleges often fly under the radar but play a crucial role in higher education’s ecosystem. This session made me curious about UBalt’s connections with these institutions and how we might enhance our collaborative efforts to support non-traditional students and marginalized groups.
• Wednesday
  • Science Comedy: Why It’s a Thing & How to Do It 🔉📺Sarah Rose Siskind’s take on using humor to convey complex STEM concepts was both enlightening and entertaining. Her strategies for engaging audiences could be a game-changer for UBalt faculty, offering a novel way to make learning more memorable and enjoyable.
  • The Future of Education Isn’t A.I. It’s Human 🔉
    The conversation was a compelling reminder that education’s heart lies in human creativity and connection. It prompted me to consider how UBalt could further humanize our educational strategies, ensuring technology enhances rather than replaces the personal touch that makes learning deeply impactful.
• Thursday
  • Student-Inclusive Approaches in Higher EducationThis meetup was a breath of fresh air, highlighting the power of centering student voices in higher education. The discussions around direct and cooperative leadership strategies reinforced my belief in the need for UBalt to amplify student engagement and leadership, particularly among our most marginalized communities.
  • Unlocking Your Best Self for Yourself & Others 🔉📺
    Diego Perez’s (Yung Pueblo) talk was the perfect culmination of the SXSW EDU experience. It underscored the importance of self-care and personal growth, reminding me of the balance we must strive for between our professional endeavors and personal well-being.

Reflecting on SXSW EDU, each session was a piece of a larger puzzle, exploring the evolving landscape of education today. From the vital need for equity and inclusion to the innovative ways we can enhance learning, I’m eager to talk about these insights with my colleagues here at UBalt. Let’s start a conversation on how we can apply these learnings, and perhaps, pave the way for UBalt to make its mark on SXSW EDU next year!