Festival of Learning 2025
Wednesday, January 29, 9a-2:30p
Stata Center (Student Street & 32-141)
What can we do at MIT to prepare our students to solve the challenges of their time? Every learner at MIT can impact the future of humankind and the planet—calling on us to embrace new approaches to an MIT education.
At the 2025 Festival of Learning, hear from MIT faculty, instructors, and recent students about what mens et manus looks like in the future of teaching and learning at MIT. Join a facilitated session to improve teaching and learning at the Institute.
Schedule in 32-141:
9:00-9:30 Coffee & Pastries
9:30-9:45 Welcome & Opening Remarks
Daniel E. Hastings, Interim Vice Chancellor, and the Cecil and Ida Green Education Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics
9:45-11:00 Mens et Manus for the Future
As the Institute explores ways to better prepare students for coming times, panelists will share their experiences deeply engaging students and transforming the MIT educational experience.
Speakers: Chris Capozzola (Open Learning / History), Amitava ‘Babi’ Mitra (NEET), Adam Martin (Biology), Susan Silbey (Anthropology)
Moderator: Janet Rankin, Director of MIT Teaching + Learning Lab
11:15-12:15 Moving Forward Together
Panelists—faculty, instructors, and, importantly, recent students—will discuss examples of their collaboration with others to transform their MIT subjects.
Speakers: Maria Khotimsky (Global Languages), Paola Rebusco (ESG / Physics), Sean Robinson (Physics), Cory Romanov (Physics), McKenzie Dinesen (Aero/Astro)
Moderator: Aaron Kessler, Associate Director of Learning Sciences and Teaching
12:15-12:30 Closing Remarks
12:30-1:30 Lunch
1:30-2:30 Facilitated Sessions
- Improve Your MIT Subject(s) - 32-141
Hosted by Aaron Kessler, Associate Director of Learning Sciences and Teaching
Learn and ask questions about Canvas and related resources, and turn your ideas for improving your subject(s) into action with support from Residential Education.
- Learn about the Lightboard Studio - Meet outside 32-124
Hosted by Jim Cain, Senior Educational Technology Consultant
Experience the Lightboard at MIT, where you can record short modules of curricular content. Learn best practices for presenting and experimenting with Lightboard.
- Task Force on the Undergraduate Academic Program (TFUAP) White Paper Brainstorming Session - 32-144
Hosted by Adam Martin, Professor of Biology & TFUAP Co-Chair
Consider submitting a white paper to TFUAP. Come to ask questions, seek feedback, and/or get help making connections with other MIT community members who might wish to collaborate. Open to the MIT community.
No registration is required.
The event is in-person only, and a recording will be made available after the event.
The Festival of Learning is a yearly free event for MIT faculty, instructors, students, and staff to engage with each other regarding innovation in teaching and learning. The Festival is co-sponsored by MIT Open Learning and the Office of the Vice Chancellor.
Questions or requests for accommodations? festival-learning@mit.edu
