The 10 Most Visionary EdTech Leaders to Watch, 2023

VOL 12 I ISSUE 15 I 2023 Immersive Learning Most Most The 10 The 10 Exploring the Innova?ve Visionary Visionary Methods in Learning Leveraging AI EdTech EdTech Exploring the Fundamentals leaders to leaders to in the Digital Transforma?on of Educa?on Watch, 2023 Watch, 2023 Hunada Kanbar Chief Learning Officer and Assistant Professor Sharjah Educa?on Academy Pioneering Educational Excellence Dr. Hunada Kanbar's Leadership Nurturing Innovation and Excellence Among Future Leaders

eaders in the education sector possess a unique Visionary leaders demonstrate resilience in the face of set of traits that not only drive innovation but also adversity, learning from setbacks, adapting strategies, L contribute to the transformation of education. and persevering in their mission to improve education The traits of leaders in EdTech are characterized by through technology. This resilience is key to their forward-thinking mindset. They anticipate future overcoming obstacles and driving lasting change in the trends, understand the evolving needs of the education sector. Hire system, and proactively seek innovative solutions. Their ability to envision the future helps them make strategic Showcasing the journey of these visionary leaders in decisions that pave the way for integrating cutting- the niche, CIOLook features the enthralling stories of edge technologies in education. "The 10 Most Visionary EdTech Leaders to Watch, 2023." These leaders embody a multifaceted approach, character. Editor’S Note A genuine passion for education is a hallmark of combining technological acumen with a profound visionary leaders in the EdTech sector. These leaders commitment to education and societal progress. are driven by a deep-rooted commitment to enhancing the learning experience for students and educators. By fostering innovation, promoting ethical practices, Their passion fuels their dedication to finding creative and prioritizing global inclusivity, these leaders are not and effective ways to leverage technology for merely navigating the EdTech landscape; they are educational purposes. actively shaping it. In doing so, they pave the way for a more accessible, equitable, and impactful educational Train skill. Given the interconnected nature of today's world, experience, ensuring that technology becomes an visionary leaders in EdTech possess a global empowering force for learners and educators alike. perspective. They are attuned to international trends, best practices, and global challenges in education. This Flip through the pages and indulge in the fundamentals broader view allows them to integrate global that are revolutionizing the education sector for future perspectives into their solutions, preparing students for generations. a globalized workforce and fostering a sense of global citizenship. Have a Delightful Read! The EdTech sector is not without its challenges, whether they be technological, regulatory, or societal. The Unseen Traits Anish Mier Shaping Educational Frontiers

C O V E R S T O R Y P R O F I L E 08 20 Victoria Thompson Orchestrating Success with a Learn-It-All Mindest A R T I C L E S Immersive Learning 16 Exploring the Innova?ve Methods in Learning Leveraging AI Exploring the Fundamentals in the Digital Transforma?on 24 C O N T E N T S of Educa?on

Featured Person Company Name Brief Dr. Hunada has worked with leading private companies to Hunada Kanbar Sharjah Education Academy transform international education, as well as government Chief Learning Officer and www.sea.ac.ae entities on a strategic level. Assistant Professorr A nationally recognized higher education leader, President Norfolk State University Javaune Adams-Gaston Adams-Gaston has been asked to regularly serve on multiple Pooja M Bansal nsu.edu President boards. Editor-in-Chief Kate is a published Children's Author, writing her first book in Kate Barbat Ravenswood School CONTENT 2016, aimed at building self-belief in young people. Kate FOLLOW US ON Head of Positive for Girls completed her Graduate Certificate of Positive Education. Deputy Editor Anish Miller Education ravenswood.nsw.edu.au www.facebook.com/ciolook Managing Editor Katherine Debora www.twi?er.com/ciolook Lynnae Venaruzzo is currently a doctoral student in Education WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON Futures at the University of South Australia and her research Lynnae Venaruzzo Western Sydney University interests relate to digital learning experiences that intrinsically Director westernsydney.edu.au DESIGN motivate learners. Visualizer Dave Bates Art & Design Director Davis Mar?n Marcos Muller-Habig Marcos is a top-producing business leader, serving as a 42 Abu Dhabi Acting Chief Executive champion of all aspects of business development initiatives CONTACT US ON Associate Designer Jameson Carl 42abudhabi.ae Officer Email info@ciolook.com SALES For Subscrip?on Islamic Education Schools Raneem's passion for helping and supporting everyone is what Raneem Dahman Senior Sales Manager Wilson T., Hunter D. www.ciolook.com influenced her to start a career in education. tischools.edu.sa Deputy Principal Customer Success Manager William Smith Copyright © 2023 CIOLOOK, All Sales Execu?vesTim, Smith rights reserved. The content and Rob has over 35 years' experience working in education, images used in this magazine Rob Thomason VetAssess consulting and executive development, in Australia and should not be reproduced or TECHNICAL Executive Director vetassess.com.au internationally. transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, Technical Head Peter Hayden photocopying, recording or Technical Consultant Victor Collins otherwise, without prior permission Samantha Whay-Jenkins is a visionary leader with a role that Durham School for Samantha Whay-Jenkins from CIOLOOK. combines her passion for education with a wealth of experience Girls Doha Reprint rights remain solely with Executive Director in fostering academic excellence and holistic development. SME-SMO durham.edu.qa CIOLOOK. Research Analyst Eric Smith SEO Execu?ve Alen Spencer As the founder of Skolen Online, Tanja envisions a future Tanja Schjellerup Skolen Online where education is not bound by traditional constraints but Founder and CEO skolenonline.dk rather fueled by innovation and accessibility. sales@ciolook.com Victoria brings a unique blend of skills and expertise to her role Victoria Thompson at Microsoft. Known for her strategic thinking and innovative Microsoft Customer Success December, 2023 problem-solving, she has consistently delivered exceptional microsoft.com Account Manager, results in [mention specific projects or achievements.

Hunada Kanbar Chief Learning Officer and Assistant Professor Sharjah Educa?on Academy Asking the right questions and utilizing various channels ensures communication is accessible and engaging for all stakeholders. C o v e r S t o r y

n today’s digitally advanced landscape, the technology is a game-changer,” says Hunada. “When integration of Innovation and Education is driving discussing geographical locations, instead of relying on I significant refinements. Between this integration, pictures, I use 3D technology, allowing students to virtually Dr. Hunada Kanbar stands as a luminary figure, explore, enriching their learning by connecting them bringing two and a half decades of transformative directly to real-life settings.” This interactive approach experience across five countries – the USA, Canada, the transcends traditional classrooms, providing students UK, UAE, and the KSA. As the founding Chief Learning with unlimited access to diverse resources. Officer and Assistant Professor at Sharjah Education Academy, her journey has been marked by a relentless “Incorporating technology isn’t just about new tools—it commitment to shaping the future of learning. transforms education, making it more engaging, relevant and accessible for students,” adds Hunada. Her Holding a PhD from the University of Sharjah, Dr. experience underscores the pivotal role technology Hunada has been a catalyst for change in various roles, plays in modern education, breaking barriers and from Change Management Advisor to School enhancing the learning journey for a generation wired Improvement Advisor, Educational Consultant to for digital exploration. Efficacy Reviewer. Her expertise extends to serving as an Associate School Inspector, contributing to the Unlocking Student Potential elevation of educational standards. “In my previous role as a School Improvement Advisor and Dr. Hunada has partnered with leading private Content Lead,” notes Hunada, “there’s no one-size-fits-all companies and governmental entities in the EdTech solution. The effectiveness depends on context and collaborative landscape of international education. Her specific features.” For enhanced engagement and fingerprints grace six influential frameworks, including outcomes, she finds collaborative tools invaluable. Inspection, Evaluation and Digital Transformation in education. An example of her leadership is she holds Students should interact, share feedback and discuss accreditations as a leadership coach and certified results seamlessly. Hunada highlights adaptive AI- teacher trainer recognized by institutions like the driven content as a standout solution. These tools tailor National College for School Leadership in the UAE and learning to individual needs providing the right Edexcel Pearson. challenge and interaction. Her experience emphasizes that personalization is crucial for sustained student As the Change Beyond accolades, Dr. Hunada is the driving force in interest and improved educational outcomes. This Management Advisor educational excellence. She has left an indelible mark as insight caters to emphasizing the nuanced approach both a judge and awards’ standard developer in needed in selecting and implementing educational for a smart learning Sharjah. Having inspected 300 schools, her technology for diverse contexts and fostering effective project, Hunada played a commitment to advancing learning experiences is as well as personalized learning experiences. unparalleled. pivotal role in supporting Smart Tech, Smart Teaching 300 schools through Amidst her dynamic career, Dr. Hunada’s research interests delve into advanced learning analysis in the Hunada emphasizes staying abreast of the rapidly their digital education sector, seamlessly bridging the realms of evolving educational technology landscape is crucial. transformation government and the private sector. Her expertise is Her approach involves a dual focus on understanding guiding Sharjah Education Academy toward student needs and monitoring innovations in the journey. Strategic and Sustainable unparalleled heights in educational leadership. EdTech sector by business professionals. As the Change Management Advisor for a smart Let’s explore the threads of expertise, dedication and a Aligning strategies with these aspects, she consults learning project, Hunada played a pivotal role in relevant and safe enhancing educational practices for relentless pursuit of shaping education for generations to with experts to assess risks associated with new tools. supporting 300 schools through their digital the students’ benefit. This insight stresses the come! “If risks are low, I encourage students to explore these tools transformation journey. Her key contribution was importance of a balanced approach, considering themselves.” This hands-on approach allows valuable leading the ‘E-Maturity Initiative,’ implementing a student needs, industry innovations and expert Transforming Education feedback on integration into the learning environment. change management model to assist schools in consultation for effective and secure integration of transitioning to various educational technologies. educational technologies. “In my 25-year career as an educator, embracing Hunada ensures that adopting new technologies is both

The work was multifaceted and operated on multiple Effectiveness Over Method effectiveness matters more than the method. When ensuring appropriate challenges and support. levels. The focus included aligning with leaders’ visions, stakeholders observe positive outcomes, their support Formative assessment tools provide insightful enhancing teachers’ skills and conducting self- “The key to balancing traditional teaching with technology naturally shifts towards new tools, easing the transition feedback, identifying areas for improvement and evaluations of schools’ maturity levels in digital is focusing on ‘outcomes, student engagement, motivation, from traditional methods. excellence, enabling a more targeted learning integration. and results’,” emphasizes Hunada. She believes experience. Addressing the challenge of change acceptance, A significant strategy involved creating small teams in Hunada prioritizes clear communication about the Moreover, Hunada encourages students to participate each school, acting as catalysts for change. “These teams benefits of new technologies and providing firsthand actively in their learning journey. “Giving them tailored the digital transformation to specific needs,” says experiences. This approach demonstrates technology’s opportunities to create their own learning experiences using Hunada. Her leadership ensured the transition to value and builds a supportive community around technology empowers them to explore subjects in ways that digital learning was both strategic and sustainable, innovative teaching methods. resonate with their interests.” This approach enhances In the long run, ultimately enhancing the educational experience across engagement and fosters a deeper understanding of the my focus is less on the schools. This highlights the comprehensive Ensuring a holistic learning experience involves a material, making learning a more dynamic and fulfilling approach and leadership crucial for successful digital careful balance of introducing new technologies while experience. Highlighting the impactful use of where I will be and transformations in educational settings. respecting proven aspects of traditional methods as technology in personalized education, fostering more on the impact, I noted by Hunada. This stresses the importance of engagement and empowering students to shape their outcomes and effective communication in integrating learning journey. am creating technology seamlessly with traditional teaching for a emphasizing the comprehensive and successful learning experience. Inspiring Growth signicance of Nurturing Innovators Hunada advises aspiring EdTech leaders, emphasizing, my educational “Focus on the growth and development of people, as Hunada emphasizes that technology is crucial in leadership fundamentally revolves around this.” Leveraging journey. nurturing skills like ‘critical thinking, creativity and technology effectively can significantly accelerate and adaptability. To harness its potential, supporting maximize human potential. She encourages leaders to learners’ minds is essential. When used thoughtfully, inspire others to see technology as a powerful tool for technology becomes more than a tool—it’s a gateway to advancement. unleash creativity, engage with challenges and explore solutions. It transports learners to dimensions of Crucially, she notes that ensure people are equipped thought, encouraging critical thinking and adaptability. with the right skills and ethical understanding to use technology effectively. This approach fosters an However, the key is nurturing cognitive abilities, environment where technology is a catalyst for enabling learners to approach technology as innovators meaningful growth and development. This concise and creators. Interactive, diverse and personalized advice is applicable to everyone stressing the human- learning experiences significantly stimulate mental centric aspect of leadership in EdTech and the development. “This ensures technology enriches the transformative potential of technology when used learning experience, cultivating a generation equipped to ethically and with a focus on skill development. navigate and contribute to a rapidly evolving world with confidence and creativity,” says Hunada. This underlines From Patience to Collaboration the transformative role of technology in fostering essential skills and intellectual growth for the next Hunada emphasizes that effective communication in generation. educational leadership, especially in EdTech initiatives, is multi-faceted. Leading by example is Adaptive Learning paramount—actions often speak louder than words. Demonstrating real-time use and benefits of Personalizing education to meet individual student technology communicates its value powerfully. She needs is a key focus, emphasizing technology’s central believes in collaborative problem-solving, engaging role. Adaptive digital content powered by AI is highly students, teachers and parents to address challenges effective for personalized learning. This technology and find solutions, fostering ownership and tailors the material to each student’s pace and style, involvement.

“Asking the right questions and In her family, technology serves as a tool for personal The journey continued with the approval of Phase 2 by utilizing various channels growth and talent development. Her children leverage His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al ensures communication is technology to enhance their skills and pursue their Qasimi on March 4, 2021. This phase marked the accessible and engaging for all interests. This aspect of technology and its ability to establishment of degree programs expanding SEA’s stakeholders.” Patience is foster personal development is particularly meaningful offerings to global standards in teacher and principal crucial, as adapting to new to her. education. SEA became a vibrant institution offering technologies is a gradual Ministry of Education-accredited academic programs, journey. However, Hunada is acutely aware of the risks professional development opportunities, innovative associated with technology. Understanding these risks school improvement tools, and a robust research focus. Importantly, effective thoroughly is important to avoid potential negative communication starts by impacts. This balanced perspective guides her The application for the Postgraduate Diploma in “understanding and addressing exploration and use of technological tools, both Education (PGDE) degree program is a proof to SEA’s the needs of stakeholders, professionally and personally. Embracing technology’s commitment to elevating educational standards. SEA, rather than solely focusing on potential while being mindful of its challenges allows licensed by the UAE Commission for Academic what I need from them.” This for responsible and creative harnessing of its benefits. Accreditation, reflects an unwavering dedication to approach aligns EdTech This offers a balanced perspective showcasing the awe- preparing teachers for the future of education. initiatives with the interests inspiring aspects of technology alongside a thoughtful and concerns of students, consideration of its risks and responsibilities. “Ultimately, Sharjah Education Academy is to become a teachers and parents hub of innovation and excellence in learning,” Hunada increasing their support and Inspiring Learners, Empowering Educators envisions. The institution consistently merges cutting- involvement. This edge educational practices with practical business comprehensive approach “In the long run, my focus is less on where I will be and more insights to fulfill its purpose and create lasting, positive highlights the importance of on the impact I am creating,” expresses Hunada, impacts. The focus remains on inspiring learners, empowering educators and contributing meaningfully leading by example, emphasizing the significance of her educational to societal development through educational collaboration, patience, and journey. Her goal extends beyond personal growth, stakeholder-centric aiming to inspire and motivate learners at Sharjah excellence. communication in successful Education Academy. With a commitment to EdTech leadership. empowering students, she endeavors to bridge the gap between innovative education and business acumen The Dual Nature of Tech equipping them to succeed in their care ers and contribute meaningfully to society. Hunada finds technology endlessly fascinating for its The inception of Sharjah Education Academy on June capability to unlock answers 15, 2020, marked a transformative decree under the and experiences beyond our visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan immediate reach. She is bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. This decree, Decree No. 10 intrigued by its use in of 2020, established SEA as an encouragement of exploring active volcanoes, educational excellence revolutionizing the professional allowing her and the team to growth of K-12 educators and fostering a culture of virtually journey inside a innovation within the educational system. Ultimately, Sharjah volcano, witnessing its inner workings up close. This Education Academy exploration profoundly expands the understanding of As a founding member, Hunada played a pivotal role in natural phenomena. establishing the digital academy at SEA embracing the is to become a hub flipped learning model. This initiative took Sharjah of innovation and On a personal level, Hunada is captivated by how teachers to the global stage offering flexibility through technology can reveal the secrets of the universe and digitized materials. SEA, under the aegis of the Sharjah excellence in nature. The ability to explore space and the natural Private Education Authority, stands as evidence of learning. world through advanced technological means is Sharjah’s dedication to educational leadership incredibly exciting, providing a window into realms they nurturing educators to shape the future of learning. have only dreamed of exploring.

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The 10 Most Visionary EdTech Leaders to Watch, 2023

The 10 Most Visionary EdTech Leaders to Watch, 2023

Presentation Transcript

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