Become a Game-Changer: Ryerson University's ChangSchoolTalks 2016 Connects Innovators, Entrepreneurs, Educators to Inspire Career Transformation

Event takes place February 17 and will bring leading North American experts in educational technology and digital innovation to Toronto

TORONTO, Feb. 2, 2016 /CNW/ - Ryerson University's G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education announces the second annual #ChangSchoolTalks professional development and networking event taking place on February 17, 2016. This year's theme of "Experiential Learning in Action" will explore educational technology, experiential learning, serious gaming, and workplace innovation. It brings together game-changers in entrepreneurship, educational technology and digital innovation – including leading North American experts who will share their perspectives on the latest advances in the field. The full-day program includes thought-provoking main stage talks, master classes delivered by industry experts, interactive one-on-one Brain Dates, and cutting-edge technology exhibits.

"Experiential learning is one of the ways that education can adapt to the changing needs of learners and facilitate the growth of our knowledge-based economy," says Dr. Marie Bountrogianni, Dean, The Chang School. "ChangSchoolTalks 2016 will present us with an unparalleled opportunity to share expertise, ideas, and technology that will shape our offerings going forward."

For the first time in Toronto, E-180 is collaborating with ChangSchoolTalks to facilitate one-on-one Brain Dates throughout the event. This innovative learning and matchmaking technology tool fosters active learning, relationship building and idea exchange between the education, corporate and public sectors.

Speakers for the event include:

• Don Tapscott, CEO of the Tapscott Group: Digital Learning in Today's Education Environment (morning keynote)
• Arlene Dickinson, CEO of Venture Communications: Lessons from the Den
• Michelle Weise, Executive Director, Sandbox Collaborative at Southern New Hampshire University: How Online Competency-Based Education Will Revolutionize the Workforce
• James Paul Gee, Presidential Professor of Literacy Studies at Arizona State University: Learning and Games
• Steve Gedeon, Director of the Ryerson Entrepreneur Institute: Experiential Learning and Entrepreneurship as a Pedagogical Technique
• Marie Bountrogianni, Dean, The Chang School, Ryerson University: Master of Ceremonies

Proceeds from the ChangSchoolTalks event will go to The Chang School's student bursary fund.

Media are welcome to attend, but are asked to RSVP. For more information about the event, visit changschooltalks.ryerson.ca or follow @ChangTalks on Twitter.

Ryerson University's G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education (ryerson.ca/ce) is Canada's foremost provider of university-based adult education, facilitating access to the University's renowned, professionally relevant courses and programs. Since 1975, we have been delivering leading-edge workplace knowledge that empowers learners to reach their personal and professional goals. We have approximately 70,000 annual enrollments (in 1,500 courses, seminars, and workshops) in Arts; Business; Communication and Design; Community Services; Engineering, Architecture, and Science; Gateway for International Professionals; Programs for 50+; and Spanning the Gaps – Access to Post-Secondary Education. We also offer 82 career-related certificate programs and numerous course series, with 22 certificate programs that can be completed entirely at a distance. The expertise of our Digital Education Strategies unit – an innovative leader in online learning – has been recognized by the National University Telecommunications Network, the Canadian Association of University Continuing Education, the Canadian Network for Innovation in Education, Pearson Canada, and the Online Learning Consortium. Our flexible, accessible programming is available on campus, via distance education, and off-site for employee groups at leading organizations.

Ryerson University is Canada's leader in innovative, career-oriented education and a university clearly on the move. With a mission to serve societal need, and a long-standing commitment to engaging its community, Ryerson offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs. Distinctly urban, culturally diverse and inclusive, the university is home to more than 41,500 students, including 2,400 master's and PhD students, 3,200 faculty and staff, and nearly 170,000 alumni worldwide. Research at Ryerson is on a trajectory of success and growth: externally funded research has doubled in the past five years. The G. Raymond Chang School of Continuing Education is Canada's leading provider of university-based adult education. For more information, visit www.ryerson.ca.

SOURCE Ryerson University

MEDIA CONTACT: Anya Kravets, GCI Group, 416-486-5910, [email protected]