UCD Innovation Academy welcomed education experts the past Wednesday in Dublin
The Innovation Academy at the University College Dublin hosted the premiere of the acclaimed documentary by Greg Whiteley, “Most Likely to Succeed”, in UCD Cinema on Wednesday 11th May. Guest of honor at the event was Lord David Puttnam, Award winning filmmaker and Ireland’s Digital Champion.
The idea of the premiere was to initiate a discussion about the current system of education in place today in our society, rooted in the old industry economy of the 19th century, not in the new economies of 21st century. The film examines the need to rethink education entirely to meet the world’s rapidly changing economy in the information age and looks at the experience of High Tech High in San Diego, which developed a model that disposes of traditional school periods and bells and seeks to promote grit and confidence among students.
The screening was followed by a panel discussion on the future of education with the Oscar-winner filmmaker Lord David Puttnam, Chairperson of Atticus Education and Ireland’s Digital Champion, Professor Paul Reville, Director of Harvard Education Re-design Lab, Professor Suzi Jarvis, Founding Director of Innovation Academy UCD, and Tomás Ó Ruairc, Director of the Teaching Council of Ireland with Ann O’Dea, Founder and CEO of Silicon Republic moderating the discussion.
Founding Director of UCD Innovation Academy, Suzi Jarvis, highlighted the importance of helping the students to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills in order to meet the skills needed going forward. “It’s important to rethink education in order to flare creativity in students, what is unlikely to happen with our current education system.”
Over the past two years, the Innovation Academy has been working with education professionals from across Ireland through its Professional Diploma for Education. This unique programme brings together professional educators from all levels and disciplines in Ireland to reflect on their role as educators and reimagine their approach to education. It has had significant impact on the participants and their students.
Most Likely to Succeed was screened at Tribeca and Sundance among other film festivals over the past few months and has acted as the catalyst for a number of deeper discussions on the purpose of education.
About the Innovation Academy UCD
The Innovation Academy’s mission is to provide a transformational educational experience for the betterment of society and the economy. We shape creative minds capable of launching new ventures.
Innovation Academy UCD is a unit of University College Dublin, and was established through the Innovation Alliance between University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin. Since then it has expanded from its initial focus on working with PhDs. Today the Academy works with undergraduates, postgraduates, and educators, and with organisations and partners beyond academia.
Learn more about the selection of UCD Innovation Academy Courses on offer.