TEDxManitoba emerged with big name and big ideas
TEDxManitoba has brought together some of Manitoba’s most innovative thinkers, as well as idea people from around the globe in an effort to create an inspirational event supported by the parent organization TED, Ideas Worth Spreading. TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At TEDxManitoba, video and live speakers will combine to spark deep discussion and connection around the theme of Emergence: Culture, Technology and Community.
Speakers have been selected from a variety of areas to create the cross-fertilization of ideas, explains TEDxManitoba organizing committee volunteer Reynold Redekopp. “It was important to the committee to establish a balance between big name local and out-of-town speakers, so that the audience, a mix of passionate people from a variety of industries and professions, will be inspired. We hope that their conversations will result in the emergence of action and innovation.”
Redekopp also noted that international and local interest in the event is strong. “Manitoba community members from Brandon, Swan River, Dauphin, and The Pas will be gathering in their home towns to watch the live streaming of TEDxManitoba in order to have a similar TEDx-like experience. It’s wonderful how TED brings people together to share and discuss innovative ideas.”
For educators you won’t want to miss the presentations by Rick Van Eck, a teacher and author focused on the creation and use of video games in education; Robert Sawyer an award winning science fiction writer who’s forward thinking could be a window to the future; Leslee Silverman the Artistic Director of Manitoba Theater for Young People will present with Columpa Bobb and promises to be entertaining and relevant to educators; Terry Godwaldt the founder and director of the Centre for Global Education which engages students with real learning experiences that leveage technology and innovation; and Les Foltos, the Director of Educational Innovation at Peer-Ed, a training company who trains teachers and leaders to help their colleagues integrate technology into the classroom.
TEDxManitoba took place Tuesday, February 15, 2011. This event was streamed live from the Park Theater, Winnipeg. Visit the TEDxManitoba website at www.tedxmanitoba.com for more information and to watch event videos.
Reynold Redekopp is an Instructor in the Faculty of Education, University of Manitoba. Redekopp teaches EDUB 1990 Teacher and Technology and EDUB 5220 Teaching and Learning Mobile Devices, and recently was a full-time teacher at East Kildonan Collegiate where he taught Grade 9 Digital Photography and Web Design, Computer Science Methods, and Futures in Business.