We were thrilled to send the Engageli team to attend the Learning Ideas Conference 2024 in New York City, where education professionals and innovators gathered to discuss the future of learning. The sessions were packed with inspiring keynotes, insightful presentations, and engaging discussions. Below are some of our key insights and takeaways, ones that any learning professional can implement and learn from. 

Redefining Intelligence and Enhancing Human Capabilities

Intelligence Augmentation (IA)

Dr. Chris Dede, Senior Research Fellow at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, delivered a keynote that reshaped our understanding of artificial intelligence (AI) and its role in education. He introduced the concept of Intelligence Augmentation (IA), emphasizing that humans and technology should collaborate, leveraging their unique strengths. While AI excels in data processing and predictions (reckoning), humans bring practical wisdom and judgment. By partnering with AI, we can enhance our capabilities, provided we are adequately upskilled with the right learning programs to make informed decisions.

The Learning Journey

Dr. Dede also highlighted the importance of the learning journey. He argued that the process of learning is as crucial as the end product. Emphasizing judgment in education, rather than solely focusing on data-driven assessments, fosters true growth and development. This perspective encourages us to value the experiential and reflective aspects of learning, ensuring that learners develop critical thinking and decision-making skills.

Implementing Emerging Technologies

Purposeful Tech Adoption

The Learning & Development team at McKinsey shared valuable frameworks for adopting emerging technologies in learning. One key strategy is to "Scan Fast," which helps quickly assess if a new technology solves a real problem or if it's merely tech for tech’s sake. This approach ensures that technology adoption is purposeful and impactful, avoiding the trap of using technology without clear benefits.

Stages of Tech Fluency

Recognizing and navigating different levels of tech fluency within an organization is crucial. McKinsey's framework aligns well with how we support our partners in implementing Engageli. By guiding organizations through each stage of tech adoption, we can ensure a smoother transition and more effective use of new tools and platforms.

Incremental Actions

Rather than overwhelming the organization with massive changes, McKinsey advocates for incremental actions. This approach aligns with Engageli’s Active Learning Journey (ALJ) strategy, allowing educators to gradually integrate active learning practices and observe their impact with advanced analytics. By taking small, manageable steps, facilitators and instructors can build their active learning practice without feeling overwhelmed, leading to more sustainable and impactful changes.

Fostering Collaborative Learning

Collaborative Learning Rituals

One of the standout concepts shared by McKinsey was "collaborative learning rituals." These practices support organizational growth by fostering a culture of continuous learning and collaboration. A notable example was "AI Fridays," where employees tackle AI challenges and share their insights. Such rituals encourage teamwork, knowledge sharing, and innovation, creating a vibrant learning environment.

Engageli's Impact

The Engageli session, led by Andreina Parisi-Amon, VP Learning and Teaching, and Nisha Abraham, Learning Development Specialist, was titled "Scaling Collaboration and Engagement Through Innovative Online Learning Experiences: 3 Case Studies". The audience showed immense interest in Engageli’s Active Learning impact study and collaborative learning capabilities. Attendees were eager to learn more about the case studies shared, and the practical applications of the Engageli platform, highlighting the importance of social learning, collaboration and engagement in online learning.

Embracing Innovation and Collaboration

The Learning Ideas Conference provided invaluable insights into the future of education, and rich opportunities to learn new skills. From redefining the role of AI in learning to practical strategies for adopting emerging technologies, the sessions underscored the importance of collaboration, incremental progress, and a focus on the learning journey itself.

As we move forward, we are excited to share and promote learning strategy insights and continue driving innovation in online learning.