For years, InstructureCon has been a beacon for educators, technologists, and innovators, creating a dynamic space where ideas flourish and connections are made. This year, InstructureCon 2024 traversed us into a thrilling adventure in the Ed-cosystem, blending the excitement of thematic conferences with the serious business of shaping the future of education and Educational Technology.
Themed Conferences: A Catalyst for Creative Thinking
One of the standout elements of InstructureCon is its commitment to themed environments. These immersive experiences aren’t just about fun visuals and creative settings; they provide a unique lens through which we can explore the intersection of education and technology. By stepping into these imaginative spaces, attendees are encouraged to think outside the box, fostering innovative approaches to the challenges and opportunities in EdTech.
Navigating the Heat and Cold: A Literal and Figurative Journey
This year’s adventure started under extreme weather conditions, with temperatures soaring to nearly 50 degrees Celsius (118 degrees Fahrenheit). The stark contrast between the sweltering heat outside and the chilly conference rooms inside served as a reminder of the unpredictability and adaptability required in both education and technology. Despite these conditions, the true warmth of InstructureCon came from the connections and insights shared among attendees.
Partner Summit: Building a Collaborative Future
The Partner Summit was a highlight, showcasing Instructure’s dedication to nurturing its extensive network of over 1,000 partners. This summit provided a platform for partners to connect, share insights, and engage with Instructure leadership. A significant announcement was the new partner portal, designed to streamline processes and enhance collaboration. This development underscores Instructure’s commitment to leveraging its partner ecosystem to benefit educational institutions worldwide.
AI: The Silent Revolution Now Unveiled
A notable shift at InstructureCon 2024 was the increased focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Historically, Instructure has been more reserved on this topic compared to other LMS vendors. However, this year marked a change, with discussions highlighting AI’s potential in education. While the full implications of AI are still unfolding, its integration signifies a forward-thinking approach that acknowledges AI’s growing role in shaping the future of learning.
A New Mission for Lifelong Learning
The announcement of Instructure’s new mission statement resonated deeply with me personally: “Foster an Ecosystem that powers learning for a lifetime and turns that learning into opportunities.” This vision aligns perfectly with the concept of lifelong learning, emphasizing the need for educational institutions to support continuous learning from K-12 through retirement and beyond. The focus on lifelong learning is essential in a world where knowledge and skills must constantly evolve to meet changing demands. This new mission statement also fully aligns with Drieam’s mission of empowering learners and propelling employability. Therefore we could not support the new Instructure mission more, we cannot wait to see what comes out of this adjustment.
Global Perspectives on Lifelong Learning
During the conference, I engaged with diverse attendees, including analysts, Instructure team members, Drieam customers, and HR specialists. The consensus was clear: fostering a lifelong learning mindset is crucial. This means not only providing mandatory education but also encouraging continuous learning beyond formal education. Real-life examples from different regions, such as Fontys University of Applied Sciences in Europe, demonstrate how flexible course offerings and visualizing skills and competencies can enhance lifelong learning.
Panel Insights: Fostering Employability Through a Thriving Ed-cosystem
A significant highlight for me was the panel session we hosted on fostering employability through Canvas and modern solutions for lifelong learning. Representatives from Georgia Institute of Technology, Fontys University of Applied Sciences, and University of St Andrews shared their insights on instilling a lifelong learning mindset. Their experiences, despite differing contexts, countries and diverse learner groups converged on three key success factors: motivating students, offering institutional support, and showcasing job opportunities.
Engaging Conversations and Future Prospects
The conference roared with engaging conversations and insightful questions, reinforcing the value of shared learning experiences. Each interaction, whether with attendees, Instructure personnel, or other vendors, added to the collective knowledge, sparking new ideas and collaborations. The anticipation for InstructureCon 2025 in Spokane is already building, promising another exciting chapter in this ongoing journey.
See You in Spokane 2025!
As we reflect on the adventure of InstructureCon 2024, it’s clear that the conference is more than an event; it’s a catalyst for innovation and collaboration in education technology. We look forward to continuing this journey, embracing the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. See you in Spokane in 2025, ready for another incredible adventure in the Ed-cosystem!
About the Author: Mieke Ridderhof
