SCHEDULE: Tuesday, November 28th, 2023

Presenters: Olivia Graf Doyle, Partner, Design Principal, www.architecture4e.com and Diego Barrera, AIA, ALEP, NCARB

Director of Design, www.wraarchitects.com

Students graduating today face a rapidly changing economy.  Most of the jobs today’s students will encounter throughout their careers do not exist yet.  The spaces we design for students need to provide genuine learning experiences while being flexible to adapt to a changing world.  These spaces need to support student collaboration and prioritize mental health.  In this session, we will explore facilities that tackle these challenges in unique ways.

Presenter: Dr. Muhsinah Morris, Morehouse College Metaversity Director, VR Enthusiast, Innovator, Chemist, Educator, Speaker, Autism Advocate, Author, Wife, Mom

This talk will focus on transforming education to align with future workplace demands. The talk will cover the shift towards automation, the increasing relevance of soft skills, and the growing trend of remote and flexible work environments. It will highlight the need for educational reforms emphasizing technology integration, digital literacy, creativity, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. The use of Extended Reality (XR) in creating interactive learning experiences will also be discussed. This presentation will unlock a conversation to address the changing role of educators and the importance of professional development in adapting to new teaching methods and technologies. Additionally, it will touch on inclusive education strategies for students with special needs, like autism spectrum disorder. The talk will conclude with a proposed collaborative framework involving educators, industry leaders, and policymakers to ensure education is effectively aligned with the evolving job market, preparing students for future careers.