How do you meet the biggest challenges faced by the world in the 21st century? University of Alberta education professor Bill Hanson is convening 110 of the world’s leading educators, policy makers and thought leaders at a UAlberta co-hosted gathering at the Banff Centre this week—participants who have been hand-selected for their contributions to solving some of the most civilization-threatening issues, including religious extremism and climate change.

“They're incredibly talented and, I'd say, inspiring people—real difference makers,” said Hanson.

Andrew Morgan had a dozen years of experience as a classroom teacher in Edmonton when he decided to return to the University of Alberta, where he’d earned his bachelor of education, to pursue a master’s degree in elementary education. In addition to adding credentials that will enable him to pursue future career prospects, Morgan says he wanted to embody an important lesson.

The Faculty of Education has a proud tradition not only of producing great educators, but great educational research. Here are some recent stories you may have missed about UAlberta education researchers and the important work they do to improve teaching and learning in Alberta, in Canada and around the world.

An early childhood education researcher who works ardently with schools and communities to support the classroom success of newcomers to Canada and an educational measurement expert who envisions a future where students can access instant feedback to support their learning objectives any time are among seven University of Alberta faculty selected as Killam Annual Professors.

The kinds of mobile technology kids like to use are generally considered distractions in an educational setting, but a University of Alberta education researcher is teaming up with colleagues around the globe to examine how these devices are used in and outside the classroom—and how they might be integrated to improve literacy education.

The Faculty of Education has a proud tradition not only of producing great educators, but great educational research. Here are some recent stories you may have missed about UAlberta education researchers and the important work they do to improve teaching and learning in Alberta, in Canada and around the world.

For many, summer is a time for camping, outdoor sports and cold drinks on a warm patio. But for these educators, summer isn't about winding down—it's about catching up on research and writing, travelling to international conferences, and devoting time to exciting projects.

Tech leaders and educators around the world are pushing for more computer coding to be taught in schools to better prepare students for the future. Jennifer Lam, who will receive her bachelor of education degree Wednesday at the University of Alberta’s spring convocation, has taken the message to heart and is proving that even Grade 1 students can learn to code.

Dia Da Costa, a professor in the Department of Educational Policy Studies, is one of the organizers of the Reimagining Creative Economy Workshop taking place on the University of Alberta campus April 27 - 29.