TLI: Recaps

Creating Transformational Learning Experiences:
Redesigning Education for a New Era

“Fall Get-together” Launches TLI Season with Inspiring Keynotes on Innovation in Education

 On October 25, the Technology Leadership Institute (TLI) launched its 2024-25 series of keynote lectures, conferences, and workshops with a “Fall Get Together” at the Lower Hudson Regional Information Center’s Harrison campus.

The kick-off event, titled “Creating Transformational Learning Experiences,” brought together educators from around the region and featured keynote speakers Richard Culatta and Dr. Tara Nattrass, both leaders in educational innovation.

Mr. Culatta, CEO of ASCD+ISTE and a former U.S. Department of Education appointee, has dedicated his career to advancing technology's role in learning. Dr. Nattrass, Managing Director of Innovation Strategy at ASCD+ISTE, is an expert in integrating emerging technologies and strategic educational initiatives, having previously led innovation at Dell Technologies.

Both speakers emphasized the need to rethink traditional educational models, particularly in light of advances in technology and the shifting needs of today’s students. They discussed how the ASCD+ISTE Transformational Learning Principles serve as a guide to creating impactful, joyful, and meaningful learning experiences.

Dr. Tara Nattrass began her presentation by highlighting the critical intersection of educational leadership and technology.

“We need to tinker in the margins in order to bridge curriculum, technology, and innovation,” she noted.

Dr. Nattrass used a powerful visual metaphor to illustrate the recent evolution of education. A straight line, symbolizing a century of relatively unchanged educational practices, transformed into a swirling pattern, showing how the pandemic reshaped learning in unpredictable ways. The pattern then morphed into a hypnotic circle, suggesting that educators are now trying to navigate a new and uncertain era of AI in the classroom.

 “We’re not in that straight line anymore; things can be more flexible and adaptable. This is our opportunity to innovate,” she urged.

As the session proceeded, Richard Culatta, joining via Zoom, presented an optimistic vision for generative AI in education, calling on attendees to embrace its potential.

“We have to raise our sights a bit for what the possibilities are for generative AI,” he said.

He then introduced the Transformational Learning Principles, a set of eight evidence-based guidelines highlighting the most essential elements of effective learning that ensure great experiences for students.

“At the end of the day, despite our different job titles, there is a common throughline—we are all learning designers in one way, shape, or form,” he added, emphasizing the role each educator plays in shaping student experiences.

Mr. Culatta also encouraged educators to rethink the student experience by drawing comparisons to Disney’s focus on guest satisfaction. He explained how designing through the lens of the student requires educators to prioritize empathy and actively engage with the needs and interests of their learners.

“We rarely design through the lens of the student,” he noted, challenging educators to make learning environments that genuinely capture students’ attention and enthusiasm.

  By adopting this perspective, educators can create experiences that not only meet academic goals but also resonate personally with students, making school a place they want to be.

“If we want our schools to be student-centered, then we need to create experiences that a student wants to be in the center of,” Mr. Culatta remarked.

Throughout the session, the audience engaged in discussions based on the following questions presented by each speaker: What are you thinking about in terms of transformation? What’s driving you to shift your work from the old way to a new, innovative approach? How do we design the learning experience differently?

As the session concluded, attendee Brandon Milonovich, a Computer Science teacher at Ardsley High School, expressed his eagerness to apply these concepts in his district.

“I want to implement these ideas in my district and ask my administrators how we can bring joy into learning,” said Milonovich. “Our focus should be on the student experience.”