LEARNING 2030

How do we equip the next generation of learners to think creatively, independently, rigorously and collaboratively in full awareness of themselves and their social context? How do we create a generation of innovators who can lead us into the next century of sustainable energy production?

This was the fundamental question behind WGSI’s Learning 2030 Summit. From September 29 to October 3, Summit participants explored best practices and promising initiatives in high school education aimed at empowering students in their creativity and potential.

Participants included leaders in education, teaching professionals, researchers, and policymakers together with young people who have innovated in their learning journey. This unprecedented gathering represented six continents, diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, and disenfranchised and disadvantaged communities to give a truly global and intergenerational perspective on learning.

Together, the group created a vision of a scalable, affordable, sustainable learning system for the high school graduates of 2030 and beyond.

Master of Design Experience Innovation students from the University of Waterloo Stratford Campus developed a digital platform for the Learning 2030 Blueprint which has since been archived.

EARNING 2030 BLUEPRINT
Imagine a world filled with creative, confident, and adaptable young leaders capable of addressing the environmental challenges of a complex and fast-changing society. Imagine a world filled with brilliant minds, harnessing solar panel technology to create 100% reliance on the power of the sun.

To explore this future, WGSI published the Learning 2030 Blueprint – a document that provides clear recommendations on building a learning environment that fosters critical thinking, problem solving, and innovation. It includes:

An ‘ecosystem’ point-of-view to approaching learning that integrates students, teachers, and caregivers with their unique local contexts

Case studies that showcase innovations in education from a diverse array of individuals and communities with variable access to resources

Implementation pathways

LEARNING 2030 IN THE NEWS
CBC KW – Is peer-to-peer learning the future of high school? Interview with Learning 2030 Advisor Christine McWebb (October 3)
CTV Kitchener – High school in 2030 (October 3)
Gary Doyle Show (570 News) – Interview with Learning 2030 Advisor Christine McWebb (October 7, 2013)
The Globe and Mail – How to stop high school from stifling creativity (September 30, 2013)
The Globe and Mail – The one-room classroom reimagined, in Hamilton (November 21, 2013)
The Globe and Mail – Schools of 2030: no grades, no exams no teachers? (October 4, 2013)
The Hamilton Spectator – Summit spawns visions of the high school of the future (October 5, 2013)
Maritime Morning Weekend Edition (957 News) – Interview with Learning 2030 Advisor John Kershaw (October 6, 2013)
T.H.E. Journal – Ed summit: dump exams and high school grades (October 3, 2013)
Times Educational Supplement – International summit outlines radical blueprint for education (October 11, 2013)
The Waterloo Record – Learning summit will seek ways to keep high school students engaged (September 26, 2013)