Inspiring key notes and content at Eduweek with SABC Education powered by Intel

EduWeek with SABC Education powered by Intel takes place at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand, Johannesburg, on Wednesday and Thursday, 29-30 June. EduWeek is all about advancing educational knowledge in Africa and responding directly to the needs and expectations of the industry. This year, EduWeek are proud to announce the incredible line-up for their opening and closing key notes, which are always a highlight of the event as well as some other not-to-be-missed happenings over the two day education indaba.

EduWeek with SABC Education powered by Intel is proud to announce the opening Keynote, which will take place at 10h00 in the E-Tech Theatre. Here, visitors to EduWeek will have the opportunity to listen to high profile speakers from Intel, Microsoft and the Department of Basic Education as well as our keynote speaker, Maurice de Hond, CEO and Founder, Steve JobsSchools.

Steve JobsSchools have recently been recognised as the ‘Most Innovative Schools in the World’ by US-based TechInsider magazine, which is why it is incredible to see that two Steve JobsSchools were launched in South Africa and Africa on 23 June 2016. EduWeek are honored that Founder Maurice de Hond, will be the opening keynote Speaker this year.

The Steve JobsSchools embrace the latest technologies in education and learning, equipping learners with the skills they’ll need for 2025 and beyond. The concept is based on the drivers of choice, collaboration and challenge, coupled with innovative technologies to develop personalised learning.

The internationally acclaimed Steve JobsSchool model is based on every child having an independent learning plan (ILP), centred on their own way of learning, their strengths and choices. The school is available 24/7 and the learning plan, educational programmes and educational apps are accessed from the learners' smart devices and supported by special workshops, experiments and projects at school.

This year’s closing keynote will take place in the E-Tech Theatre from 17h00 on Thursday, 30 June, and promises to be an out-of-this-world experience! With a key focus on the importance of STEM, visitors will not want to miss out on the opportunity to learn from hands-on activities showcasing exciting science experiments that will awaken your curiosity and imagination on how to teach STEM subjects. The Nutty Scientist will display how such entertaining activities will ensure students appreciate and enjoy all STEM subjects and promote positive results from all grades and ages. There will also be a live video message from Dr Ellen Stofan, Chief Scientist of NASA, and Charles Bolden, Chief Administrator for NASA at 17h35. The topic will be: "The importance of STEM in education in Africa, encouraging young girls to study STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) and space". The final highlight of the closing keynote will be the Stylco Competition Give-Away at 17h40. Here, the winner of the digital classroom will be announced and will be handed over to the lucky recipient of the prize. Anyone who has entered the competition needs to ensure they are present in the keynote audience in order to receive the prize – a digital classroom that will revolutionise the way in which the winner of it will teach. This is a not-to-be-missed closing keynote!

Says Fotoula Fatouros, Content Producer of EduWeek, “EduWeek is proud to announce the keynote content for this year’s event. EduWeek is all about advancing education in Africa and our keynotes and the over 200 hours of free workshop content taking place over the two days offers attendees a real opportunity to be exposed to subject matter that tackles the educational challenges of today, giving visitors the opportunity to be at the forefront of Africa’s transformation by being exposed to the experiences of leaders, strategic thinkers and entrepreneurs from across the globe.”

Some of the other not-to-be-missed highlights of this year's event include:

Hour of Code: Visit stand Q5 and find out why coding and other tools can help embed innovation in schools, even in the midst of chaotic environments. Allow curiousity to drive development in your institution with The Hour of Code.

Sustainability Zone: The theme for #EduWeek16 is” Education for Sustainable Development. Leave a message as symbol of promise on our sustainability tree as we advance educational knowledge together at EduWeek.

Speaker Corner and Chill Zone Sponsored by Waltons: This zone was designed for visitors to interact with our passionate speakers in a relaxed area as they exchange views and ideas.

Microsoft in Education Partner Village: Visit stands M3 and N3 where Microsoft and their partners will be hosting demonstrations and workshops. Find attached the schedule of events Microsoft has on offer at EduWeek 2016.

Networking Function: Build new connections at the networking function on Wednesday, 29 June, 17h00, in the EduWeek visitor lunch area. Complimentary drinks and refreshments available.

EduWeek Awards: Join peers for an evening of fun, thrills and joyous applause at the EduWeek Awards on Wednesday, 29 June, 19h00.

Floor Tours: EduWeek will be hosting daily floor tours where visitors have the opportunity to be taken on a guided tour around the exhibition floor where they also stand a chance to win awesome prizes.

E-Tech Café: Unwind in the E-Tech Café which was created for visitors to meet and greet over 120 of EduWeek’s exhibitors.

Robotics Session: Join coach Michael Ettershank, Manager of the Robot Science Project, in an informative and interactive workshop on The Robot Science Project from UJ TechnoLab. To attend the robotics session contact moc.tnegilletnips@soruotof.aluotoF.

Being a free-to-attend event means that EduWeek can only be made possible by the incredible sponsors and partners that come together in support of this annual educational indaba, these partners include: Headline Partner, Intel; Diamond Sponsor Microsoft; Platinum Sponsor, Pearson; and Gold Sponsor, Dell.

EduWeek with SABC Education powered by Intel takes place on 29 and 30 June from 10am to 6pm at Gallagher Convention Centre in Midrand. For more information, visit: www.educationweek.co.za.