The Future of Learning, What’s NExT?

As we explore, pursue and design innovations connected to the future of learning, we have discovered that success in transformation lies in expanding our capacity to design meaningful learner experience (LX). By focusing on LX, we are able to apply a “design from the edges” mindset grounded in a suite of learning practices, innovations and collaborative networks to deliver change.

One aspect of LX design is the selection of learning approaches that amplify the community you serve as well as create a runway to desired learning outcomes. A year ago, we were invited to attend a Northeastern University convening on “experiential learning in the K12 space” and as strong advocates for the holistic approach, we gladly accepted. As we engaged in conversations on the topic with educators from around the Puget Sound region, we were quick to celebrate the format of the event, engagement design for all attendees and an intentional opportunity to be a part of crafting the vision for possibilities beyond that initial day of programming.

Fast forward a year, add design focused planning and wrap it with a passion fueled commitment to an aligned vision for expanding impact, and we will have arrived in Seattle at the March 16th, 2019 NExT Convening. Northeastern University Graduate School of Education (GSE) has launched a Network for Experiential Teaching and Learning (NExT), to “serve as a platform that connects K-12, higher education, industry and community partners around the shared goal of making experiential education accessible to learners at every level.”

NExT has two primary objectives:

• To support educators and educational leaders across the world in realizing experiential learning is for the benefit of their students and their communities.
• To connect educators and leaders across regions and roles so that they can learn and gain inspiration from a community as they pursue their initiatives.

The convening on March 16 in Seattle, entitled Transformation and Innovation: Experiential Learning to Advance Social Justice, points to a gained clarity on the network’s focus on the use of learning practices that impact the greater good. With a roster of innovators throughout the region, including leaders from across K12, community colleges, and impact organizations, the desired impact of the day extends beyond the actual event.

For additional details regarding this event, the developing NExT network, and the upcoming national summer convening in Boston at Northeastern University July 15-17, please send an email to [email protected].

For more, see:

• Why Experiential Education?
• The Need for Revolutionary Networks
• Developing the Whole Child One Collaboration at a Time

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