Future-Ready Schools: Leading the Charge with Web 3 and Emerging Tech

Outline

1. Introduction & Objectives (5 minutes)
Introduce presenters and provide context about the school (American international school in Kuwait with diverse educators and predominantly Kuwaiti students).
State the objectives and begin with a simple survey of the crowd to understand what they already understand about web 3.
2. Forming a Collaborative Leadership Team (10 minutes)
Describe the creation of a stakeholder team, including the IT Director, Deputy Superintendent, Curriculum Team, Knowledge Center Supervisor, and teachers from various grade levels. Challenge attendees to take a minute to list who they would have on their team.
Discuss the time allocated for the team to explore Web 3, AI, the metaverse, cryptocurrency, and AR/VR/mixed reality.
Highlight the collaborative research, debates, and discussions that took place over several months and the value of diverse perspectives.
3. Introducing Emerging Technologies to the School (10 minutes)
Detail the roll-out plan, starting with presenting findings to staff and engaging them in the adoption process.
Explain how students were introduced to the metaverse and provided opportunities to explore it.
Discuss how the team ensured equitable access for all students and staff to technology, including VR goggles, and the importance of this approach.
4. Expanding the Network: Building Regional and Global Connections (10 minutes)
Outline efforts to connect with regional and global educational leaders and experts in Web 3 and emerging technologies.
Discuss inviting outside experts to participate in school meetings, share insights, and engage in discussions.
Emphasize the importance of learning alongside others to foster a global learning community. Provide resources of local and global experts that we were able to collaborate with.
5. Implementing Policies, Curriculum, and Community Engagement (10 minutes)
Discuss the process of developing policies and setting goals for the school’s use of emerging technologies, including input from various stakeholders.
Explain the launch of workshops and training sessions for staff, parents, and students, focusing on digital literacy and emerging technologies.
Share how you communicated with parents via social media and hosted workshops for senior students, introducing them to Web 3 concepts like AI and cryptocurrency.
6. Launching the Emerging Technologies Class & VR Integration (10 minutes)
Provide details on the introduction of an Emerging Technologies class for seniors, where students explored AI, cryptocurrency, the metaverse, and more.
Explain the investment in VR goggles across campuses and how these were incorporated into daily learning.
Highlight the pilot year of the emerging technologies class and the lessons learned from this initiative.
7. Q&A and Group Discussion (5 minutes)
Open the floor to questions and encourage the audience to engage in a discussion about their own experiences with emerging technologies in schools.
Share insights on overcoming challenges and promoting DEI within technology integration.

Supporting research

Phillips, E. J. (2021). Cryptocurrency Awareness Among Students at A Premier Academic Institution In  ISYS: The Razorbacks of Arkansas. Educational Sciences: Theory & Practice, 21(4), 100–122.  https://doi.org/10.12738/jestp.2021.3.007
Marini, A., Nafisah, S., Sekaringtyas, T., Safitri, D., Lestari, I., Suntari, Y., Umasih, Sudrajat, A., & Iskandar, R. (2022). Mobile Augmented Reality Learning Media with Metaverse to Improve Student Learning Outcomes in Science Class. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 16(7), 99–115. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v16i07.25727

Kye, B., Han, N., Kim, E., Park, Y., & Jo, S. (2021). Educational applications of metaverse: possibilities and limitations. Journal of Educational Evaluation for Health Professions, 18, 32. https://doi.org/10.3352/jeehp.2021.18.32

Ed 3 Educators: Web 3.0 for Education www.ed3educators.com