Institute for the Future of Education Observatory -Some interesting facts-
Founded in September 2014, this observatory, funded by the Instituto Tecnológico de Monterrey, was born with the mission of "bringing quality open educational resources to all corners of the world, mainly those Spanish-speaking countries with little or no access to this type of resources", being Karina Fuerte its editor-in-chief.
The resources of the Observatory of the Institute for the Future of Education are varied, and its sections include "Edu News", "Edu Bits", "Edu Reads" and "Podcast". It also has a weekly newsletter. It has accounts on FaceBook, Instagram, Tweeter, Linkedin and YouTube.
It has been recognized as the "Best Open Educational Collection of 2017" awarded by the Open Education Consortium and with the "OE Awards 2021" from the Open Assets Awards 2021, in the Open Curation - Repository category.
Summary of selected articles (to view the article in its original site, click on the title).
History is learned by involving the whole body
The article “History is learned by involving the whole body”, by Andrés García Barrios, proposes an innovative approach to learning history. The author suggests that, instead of simply memorizing facts, students should become physically and emotionally involved in the learning process. This involves an exercise in unlearning and using the imagination to become protagonists of historical events. García Barrios highlights the importance of understanding history from a more experiential and less academic perspective, which can help students connect better with the past and understand it without prejudice.
Exploring and learning about AI can change your perspective.
This is an interview with Belén Correa, director of Turnitin LATAM, where they discuss the challenges facing educational institutions in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) and how to guarantee academic integrity. Correa emphasizes that, although plagiarism has always been a concern, the emergence of tools such as ChatGPT has made it easier to cheat. Turnitin has developed technologies to detect AI-generated writing patterns, helping to maintain academic integrity through critical thinking and the use of advanced technology.
I choose universities, one video at a time.
The text highlights how social networks, especially TikTok, have become an important source for students when choosing universities. Students now prefer to watch videos of other students sharing their university experiences, which helps them make informed decisions about where to study. In this way, young people have access to a more authentic and detailed view of university life, compared to traditional methods such as brochures or campus visits.
Human flourishing in the age of AI
The article addresses how AI can influence human well-being. It highlights the importance of regulation and the ethical development of AI to ensure that its advancement benefits society. The concept of eudaimonia is mentioned, which comes from Aristotelian ethics and refers to happiness as the activity of the soul in accordance with virtue. In addition, the six dimensions of psychological well-being according to Carol Ryff's model are discussed: autonomy, self-acceptance, purpose in life, positive relationships, personal growth, mastery of the environment, among other contents.
2154: 131 years to close the gender gap.
The World Economic Forum's Global Gender Gap Report 2023 is analyzed. This report reveals that, at the current rate, it will take 131 years to achieve gender parity, that is, until the year 2154. The article also highlights the low representation of women, especially women of color, in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), and mentions systemic barriers and burnout as contributing factors.
Coffee with the coach: a space for teacher wellbeing
The text describes an initiative of the Universidad del Noreste in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico, which seeks to support the emotional well-being of teachers. This space encourages collective dialogue and the exchange of ideas and experiences in a warm and trusting environment. The initiative arose in response to the lack of training in emotional education among teachers, especially after the 2020 pandemic. The project includes podcast sessions launched in 2022, which provide support and reflect the difficulties of the educational task, helping teachers feel valued and motivated.
Reflective practice: an option for teacher training in inclusive education.
The article highlights the importance of reflective practice for teachers working in special education. This approach encourages continuous and systematic reflection on educational practice, enabling teachers to improve and adapt to the needs of their students. Inclusive education is based on the principles of equality, non-discrimination and respect for diversity, guaranteeing access and participation for all students, especially those at risk of exclusion. In Mexico, Inclusive Education Units (Unidades de Educación Inclusiva, or UDEIs) collaborate with basic education schools to offer specialized educational services.
Reading calendar: I'll read to you for so, so, so long...
“Calendar of love for reading” highlights the importance of encouraging the habit of reading in students through monthly challenges. These challenges include different topics and authors, adapted to the tastes and stages of the students. Reading is not limited to books, but encompasses a variety of texts that allow readers to interact and give meaning to what they read. The practice of reading improves imagination, critical thinking, language and provides information and knowledge. It also promotes freedom and reflection, allowing readers to develop their own judgment and participate in discussions and exchanges of perceptions.
Dialogue: teaching innovation strategies. [Video].
The article presents a dialogue between experts from the Tecnológico de Monterrey, the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Perú (PUCP) and the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC). In this meeting, various strategies are discussed to face the challenges of the current educational environment.
Some highlights include: 1) Innovation projects: both “top-down” and “bottom-up” approaches are mentioned, where teachers play a crucial role in the proposal and execution of initiatives. 2) Digital competencies: the importance of teachers continuously adapting to new technological tools, such as artificial intelligence. 3) Feedback and learning analytics: how these tools can guide educational strategies to have a greater impact on student learning.
The dialogue highlights the need for teaching innovation as a continuous and collaborative process, involving institutions, students and teachers.
The book “Edu Trends: Mentoring” by the Observatory of the Institute for the Future of Education, offers a general overview of mentoring as an educational trend, especially in the field of higher education and entrepreneurship. Among others, it integrates the following key contents:
1) Evolution of mentoring: a journey through 10 key moments in the history of mentoring, from classical antiquity to the digital age. 2) Definition of mentoring: proposal of a clear definition of mentoring and its differentiation from other terms such as tutoring, coaching, advising and counseling. 3) Characteristics and functions: description of the characteristics, functions and strategies that make up the work of the educator as a mentor. 4) Evaluation of mentoring: procedures to evaluate the quality of a mentoring relationship, ensuring its effectiveness and relevance.
This book is a complete guide to understanding and applying mentoring in educational and business contexts.
This book, by the Observatory of the Institute for the Future of Education, explores the evolution of lifelong learning. Some of its key points are as follows:
1) History of lifelong learning: the report traces a journey from the origins of the concept to its revisions and transformations over the decades. 2) Importance of continuous learning: it emphasizes that education is not just a phase of life, but a continuous process that begins at birth and extends to the end of life. 3) Education as a public good: it proposes rethinking education as a universal public good, accessible to all throughout their lives.
The report is part of the efforts of the Tecnológico de Monterrey to contribute to global knowledge about the future of education and highlights the need to change our assumptions about the purpose of education. It includes a critical glossary of terms associated with lifelong learning and a directory of universities with an inclusive approach to older people. It also includes a catalog of projects and networks in different countries involved with this cause.