Seattle Center's 'Education in the Next 50' Set for 8/16

A centerpiece event of Next 50 Learning Month brings together national leaders whose work shapes new ideas in education to consider critical questions about the future of learning. Education in the Next 50, 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 16, in Marion Oliver McCaw Hall, joins up a renowned gamer with national education leaders to discuss future learning approaches, education technology, gaming and brain research and their importance in opening up exciting new pathways for teaching and learning.

Panelists for the Aug. 16 discussion include:  Jane McGonigal, Ph.D., Director of Game Research and  Development at Institute for the Future, a leading designer of alternative reality games and best-selling author of Reality is Broken; Milton Chen, Ph.D., Director Emeritus of Edutopia/The George Lucas Educational Foundation; Roger Weissberg, Ph.D., Psychology Professor at University of Illinois and CEO of Collaborative for Academic, Social & Emotional Learning; and Bette Hyde, Ph.D., Director of Washington State Department of Early Learning.  Kristen French, Ph.D., Director of Western Washington University Center for Education Equity and Diversity, will serve as moderator.

Next 50 Learning Month addresses perspectives around learning, education, culture and environment, looking at how to help people of all ages and backgrounds to realize their intrinsic passions to learn and grow.  The month applies some innovative approaches to exploring the subject area. The Next Fifty, celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, continues through Oct. 21 with activities and attractions in the arts, history and remaining monthly focuses of Learning, Commerce and Innovation and Civic Action.  

Committee for Children is sponsor for Education in the Next 50. Tickets for the event may be purchased at ticketmaster.com. $10 Student/Educator, $16 General Admission, $37 Premium Seating/Post-Event Reception (prices include taxes and fees). For those not able to attend, Next Fifty Global Channel  at seattlecenter.com will record and broadcast the discussion.  Clock hours are available for teachers who register on-site with Antioch University for $1.50 per clock hour.

 For more information on Next 50 and other outstanding programming offered at Seattle Center, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206 684-7200.