IBSC Ideas Lab
Professional Conversations About Boys and Technology
Starting September 24, 2024
IBSC Ideas Lab invites educators and technology leaders in member schools to connect virtually using Zoom. Limited to 14 participants plus the facilitator, this IBSC Ideas Lab includes three one-hour sessions for participants to discuss relevant topics.
Designed as an interactive exchange among colleagues, IBSC Ideas Lab engages dedicated educators who learn and grow together. Before each session participants engage with relevant resources to provide a foundation for discussions. Together we surface fresh ideas and build mutual support structures and enduring professional friendships.
Available exclusively to IBSC member schools, first-time participants who can commit to joining all three sessions get preference in registration to support the success of each small group. No more than two participants from one school may register for an Ideas Lab.
In the spirit of open dialogue and collaboration, IBSC Ideas Labs are not recorded, allowing participants the freedom to express themselves openly and share their experiences candidly.
Who Should Attend?
Teachers and technology leaders in IBSC member schools
Format
IBSC Ideas Lab attendees participate in three scheduled one-hour calls using Zoom. Kendall Murphy, computer science instructor and coordinator for instructional technology at St. Mark’s School of Texas (United States), facilitates each session.
Conversation Topics
Conversation 1
Boys, Tech, and the Future of Learning: Reimagining Pedagogy in a Digital Age
Tuesday, September 24, 4:00 PM EDT, 9:00 PM BST, 10:00 PM SAST
Wednesday, September 25, 6:00 AM AEST, 8:00 AM NZDT
Check the event time in your time zone.
60 minutes
Delve into how technology is reshaping the way boys learn and engage with educational content across different age groups and grade levels. Discuss the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, gamification, and personalized learning platforms to cater to diverse learning styles and enhance motivation at every stage of development. Explore strategies to leverage technology to foster critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration among boys while addressing potential distractions and challenges unique to different ages.
Engage in conversation to reflect on these questions:
- How are boys of different ages using technology to learn, both inside and outside the classroom?
- What developmental differences have you noticed?
- What are the most promising technological tools or approaches you've used to enhance engagement and learning outcomes for boys at various ages?
- How can we design learning experiences that leverage technology to meet boys' specific interests and needs across different developmental stages?
- What ethical considerations and potential pitfalls should we be aware of when integrating technology into the education of boys at different ages
Conversation 2
Navigating the Digital Landscape: Boys, Tech, and Well-Being in the Online World
Tuesday, October 1, 4:00 PM EDT, 9:00 PM BST, 10:00 PM SAST
Wednesday, October 2, 6:00 AM AEST, 8:00 AM NZDT
Check the event time in your time zone.
60 minutes
Examine the complex relationship of boys, technology, and well-being across different age groups. Discuss the impact of social media, gaming, and online interactions on boys' mental health, self-esteem, and social development, considering how impact may vary depending on age. Explore strategies to promote healthy tech habits, responsible digital citizenship, and cyberbullying prevention tailored to the needs of different age groups.
Engage in conversation to reflect on these questions:
- What are the most pressing mental health or well-being concerns you see related to boys' technology use at different ages?
- How can we equip boys of different ages with the skills and knowledge to navigate the online world safely and responsibly?
- What role can schools and educators play in fostering healthy tech habits and promoting positive online experiences for boys at different stages of development?
- How can we partner with parents to create a unified approach to supporting boys' well-being in the digital age, recognizing the unique challenges and needs of different age groups?
Conversation 3
Boys, Tech, and the Future of Work: Preparing for the AI-Driven Economy
Tuesday, October 8, 4:00 PM EDT, 9:00 PM BST, 10:00 PM SAST
Wednesday, October 9, 6:00 AM AEST, 8:00 AM NZDT
Check the event time in your time zone.
60 minutes
Look ahead to the rapidly changing landscape of work and explore how technology, particularly AI, will impact boys' future career prospects, considering the different career paths they may pursue. Discuss the evolving skill sets needed to thrive in the digital economy, the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education at all levels, and strategies to prepare boys of different ages and interests for emerging job opportunities.
Engage in conversation to reflect on these questions:
- What are the key skills and competencies that boys of all ages will need to succeed in the AI-driven workforce?
- How can we make STEM education more engaging and relevant for boys across different grade levels and interests?
- How can we help boys develop a growth mindset and adaptability to navigate the uncertainties of the future job market, regardless of their age or chosen career path?
- What partnerships can schools forge with industry and businesses to bridge the gap between education and the demands of the workplace, considering the diverse career interests of boys?
Refund Policy
IBSC will refund 90% of registration fees if a written request is received by September 10, 2024. No refunds will be made for cancellations received after this time. Schools seeking to register an alternate to replace a participant unable to attend should contact IBSC@theibsc.org.
Please note: Watch your email for login information for this IBSC Ideas Lab by September 20, 2024. If you registered after this time, watch for login information within 24 hours.
Participation certificates: Participants present for all three conversations will receive a certificate of participation within two weeks of the final session.
Facilitator
Kendall Murphy
Kendall Murphy teaches at St. Mark’s School of Texas (United States). A seasoned educator, she has taught courses in technology, media literacy, computer science, and marketing and business at both the primary and secondary school levels. Murphy also serves as coordinator of instructional technology, helping teachers in curriculum development and technology integration and supporting teachers as they learn to innovate in the classroom.
Murphy’s educational philosophy centers on engaging students to develop knowledge, skills, and habits of mind that will allow them to be successful students, citizens, and leaders of the future. Her current fifth and sixth grade classes incorporate both fundamental technology and digital skills as well as programming, robotics, and virtual reality. By exposing students to this wide range of material, Murphy hopes that students will develop a broad range of skills as well as discover areas of passion.