Educators and researchers across the country are focusing on the best ways to engage students in learning in order to prepare them for college and a career. In an age where students are linked to technology through a variety of ways, educators need to find ways to connect students’ levels of engagement with technology to their academic achievement.

This webinar focused on “connected learning,” which is a framework that draws on the power of technology to link young people’s interests, social networks, and academic achievement. Four experts—Mimi Ito, Craig Watkins,Elyse Eidman-Aadahl, and Katie Salen—discussed the research, design, and implementation of connected learning.

Martens Roc moderated the conversation and panelists.

Panelists
Elyse Eidman-Aadahl, PhD, Director of National Programs and Site Development,
National Writing Project
Mizuko “Mimi” Ito, PhD, Chair of Digital Media and Learning, John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation;
Research Director of Digital Media and Learning Research Hub, University of California, Irvine
Martens Roc, Policy and Advocacy Associate, Alliance for Excellent Education
Katie Salen, Executive Director, Institute of Play
Craig Watkins, PhD, Associate Professor, University of Texas at Austin

Supplemental Material

• Connected Learning website
• Connected Learning report and executive summary
• Summer of Making and Connecting
• Educator Innovator Initiative

The Alliance for Excellent Education is a Washington, DC-based national policy and advocacy organization that works to improve national and federal policy so that all students can achieve at high academic levels and graduate from high school ready for success in college, work, and citizenship in the twenty-first century. For more information about the Alliance, visit http://www.all4ed.org.