Join us for the inaugural Future of Learning Community Fest
March 14–15 | Omni Hotel | Tempe, Arizona
FOLC Fest is a two-day intellectual jam session (read higher ed conference) hosted by the Office of the University Provost that brings together folks in teaching, tech and student success at ASU. In its inaugural year, the conference aims to explore how ASU can realize our Charter commitment of making an ASU education accessible to all students and learners while remaining on the leading edge of technology and academic excellence.
Thursday, March 14 Keynote Speaker
Talithia Williams
Big Data Expert, Math Professor & Host of NOVA Wonders
Statistician Talithia Williams is an innovative, award-winning college professor, a co-host of the PBS NOVA series NOVA Wonders and a speaker whose popular TED Talk, “Own Your Body’s Data”, extols the value of statistics in quantifying personal health information. She demystifies the mathematical process in amusing and insightful ways to excite students, parents, educators and the larger community about STEM education and its possibilities.Friday, March 15 Keynote Speaker
Bridget Burns
Chief Executive Officer, University Innovation Alliance
Named one of the “Most Innovative People in Higher Education” by Washington Monthly magazine, Dr. Bridget Burns is the founding CEO of the award-winning University Innovation Alliance (UIA), a multi-campus national laboratory for student success innovation that helps university leaders dramatically accelerate the implementation of scalable solutions to increase the number and diversity of college graduates across the country. Dr. Burns is a frequent keynote speaker, and her work has been highlighted in national outlets like The New York Times, Fast Company, 60 Minutes, and she was featured in the documentary “Unlikely”. She received her Doctorate of Education in Higher Education, Leadership & Policy from Vanderbilt University.Agenda and Sessions
Thursday, March 14
Session name | Time | Room |
---|---|---|
Welcome from Provost Nancy Gonzales and the FOLC Fest Committee
Speaker: Time:
-
Room: Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
- | Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
Keynote | Empowering Education: Enhancing Student Success through Data-Informed Decision-Making
The ASU environment thrives on meaningful relationships, where administrators, staff, and faculty continuously navigate decisions that impact students' lives. Beyond the surface of data accessibility, this talk explores how strategic data-informed decision-making, coupled with effective teaching practices, can synergistically shape and elevate the student experience. By delving into the changing culture of higher education data analytics, we will provide practical insights into fostering a holistic approach that integrates impactful teaching strategies with informed decision-making, ultimately optimizing student success. This talk offers an exploration of the transformative potential when academic leadership, data, and teaching converge for the betterment of student outcomes. Speaker: Time:
-
Room: Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
- | Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
Pi(e) Day Soirée: FOLC Fest Kickoff Reception
Join us for happy hour (with pie for Pi Day!), networking and live music from Rachael Nunemacher with our MC/DJ Matthew Robinson Time:
-
Room: Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
- | Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
Friday, March 15
Session name | Time | Room |
---|---|---|
Check-in and visit conference exhibitors
Omni Tempe Hotel at ASU, second floor Conference exhibitors include FOLC Fest Gold sponsor Instructure and Maroon sponsor Follett, along with various ASU departments. Time:
-
Room: Pre Function North/ Pre Function West |
- | Pre Function North/ Pre Function West |
Demo Session 1
Dive into the forefront of educational innovation with the Demo Sessions at FOLC Fest. This platform highlights dynamic demonstrations where teaching meets technology, showcasing practical applications that are driving student success forward. Each demo provides a glimpse into how ASU is transforming the landscape of learning. Engage directly with the creators, learn about the latest in educational tech. Click through to experience the innovations that are setting new standards in academic excellence. Time:
-
Room: Salt River Ballroom 8 |
- | Salt River Ballroom 8 |
Rise and Dine: Breakfast Delights
Join us for continental breakfast while you visit with conference exhibitors and stop in to Demo Session 1. Time:
-
Room: Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
- | Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
Welcome Remarks from Gold sponsor, Instructure
Speakers: Melissa Loble, Chief Academic Officer, Instructure Time:
-
Room: Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
- | Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
Student Perspective On The Future of Education
The Student Keynote Panel explores the evolving landscape of educational futures from the perspective of students at Arizona State University. In this conversation, led by Punya Mishra, we will delve into how technology and innovation shape learning, featuring insights from both undergraduate and graduate perspectives. We hope that this panel sets the stage for a day dedicated to further learner-centered conversations on the future of learning.
Moderator: Punya Mishra
Time:
-
Room: Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
- | Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
Humanity break, get to sessions
Time:
-
|
- |
Nosh and Network Lunch
Join us for lunch while you visit with conference exhibitors and stop in to Demo Session 2. Time:
-
Room: Pre-Function North/South |
- | Pre-Function North/South |
Demo Session 2
Dive into the forefront of educational innovation with the Demo Sessions at FOLC Fest. This platform highlights dynamic demonstrations where teaching meets technology, showcasing practical applications that are driving student success forward. Each demo provides a glimpse into how ASU is transforming the landscape of learning. Engage directly with the creators, learn about the latest in educational tech. Click through to experience the innovations that are setting new standards in academic excellence. Time:
-
Room: Salt River Ballroom 8 |
- | Salt River Ballroom 8 |
- | Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
|
Keynote | Collaborative Innovation: Designing the Future of Student Success
Dr. Burns helps leaders and aspiring leaders see innovation and change as simple and easy to do regardless of where they sit on the org chart, by sharing stories, tools and frameworks she learned while helping universities across the country do a better job for low-income students. In this talk you will learn about:
Time:
-
Room: Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
- | Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
Humanity break, get to sessions
Time:
-
|
- |
Humanity break, get to sessions
Time:
-
|
- |
Snack and Sip: Refreshments to Recharge
Grab a quick snack and recharge before the ASU Leadership Panel. Time:
-
Room: Pre-Function North/South |
- | Pre-Function North/South |
ASU Leadership Panel | The Future of Learning at ASU
Join moderator Danielle McNamara in a dynamic panel discussion titled "The Future of Learning at ASU," featuring Anne Jones, Carole Basile, Lev Gonick, and Phillip Regier as they delve into their leadership roles in guiding ASU's teaching and learning initiatives. From discussing current challenges to envisioning the future, the panelists will explore innovative strategies and solutions. Expect insightful questions that bridge conference themes, providing a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of education. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable perspectives and insights from these influential leaders. Moderator: Danielle McNamara Time:
-
Room: Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
- | Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
Closing remarks
The FOLC Fest Committee closes the conference. Time:
-
Room: Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
- | Salt River Ballroom 4-5 |
During FOLC Fest we will
- Explore the latest ASU advancements and innovations in technology and their impact on teaching and learning.
- Bring faculty and staff together to co-present, acknowledging the full spectrum of teaching, learning and tech professionals at ASU and their involvement in students’ holistic journeys.
- Pinpoint the challenges and opportunities of integrating technology into educational practices.
- Provide a platform for educators, researchers and technology professionals to share their experiences and best practices in technology-enhanced teaching and learning.
- Facilitate discussions on innovative teaching and learning strategies that leverage technology.
- Foster belonging and collaboration among educators, researchers and professionals across the field of educational technology.
- Build scaffolding across various faculty and staff comfort and experience levels with technology to honor the diversity of expertise at ASU.
Thank you to our FOLC Fest sponsors.
Gold Sponsor
Maroon Sponsor
A little bit more about FOLC Fest
FOLC Fest is a new face in the higher education conference world.
Brought to you by the fine folk at the ASU Office of the University Provost, FOLC Fest is a forum that celebrates and advances the technologies and techniques that make the most impact on college student academic outcomes.
True to the ASU Charter, the conference will focus on approaches that help more students from all backgrounds succeed in college.
FOLC Fest is in its beta year, and in true ASU fashion, we’re building it as we fly it. As such, the conference is open to only ASU faculty and staff, with plans to expand nationwide in 2025.
If you’d like to be involved in helping plan and produce FOLC Fest, email Joanna Schlinkert at Joanna.Schlinkert@asu.edu.