ISTE 2016 Series: Opening Keynote

A physicist presenting at an ed tech conference?  Did someone book the wrong guy?

Some may wonder why Dr. Michio Kaku was the opening keynote for ISTE 2016, but it was clear just a few minutes into his speech. After a brief history lesson on economics and some hilarious jokes, Dr. Kaku shared what the next wave of wealth creation will be and how educators can prepare students for future careers that don't exist yet. 

It was great to hear from a physicist what many teachers already know, most classrooms are still preparing students for jobs created in the 1950's, not the jobs of the future. Teachers must use new technology to change their teaching and help students THINK. In a world where information will be accessible in a blink, teachers must stress principles and concepts.

The one thing that stuck with me throughout Dr. Kaku's presentation was how important the teacher's role is as a mentor and counselor for students. We have to help create or strengthen students' natural curiosity and support them in becoming scientists and explorers. It's no longer what you know, but what you do with the information. 

Be a role model. Inspire a kid."

Note: Information on slide images were taken directly from Dr. Michio Kaku's keynote presentation.