Keynote Speakers
Punya Mishra. Arizona State University (USA)
Keynote speech: Education in an age of Generative AI: Learning from the Past to Design the Future
In an era of multiple global challenges, generative AI has emerged as a defining transformative force—generative, multimodal, and social in ways unlike previous technologies. Dr. Punya Mishra examines what generative AI genuinely is (and isn't), advocating for educators to approach it creatively, playfully, and proactively. He emphasizes that AI should enhance learning experiences rather than dictate them, while addressing significant long-term societal risks. Dr. Mishra promotes a balanced approach that recognizes AI's transformative potential while remaining vigilant about its broader implications for education and society.
About Punya Mishra
Punya Mishra is the Director of Innovative Learning Futures at Arizona State University’s Learning Engineering Institute and Professor in the Mary Lou Fulton Teachers College. A TED-Ed educator and AERA Fellow, he is internationally recognized for his work in educational technology, creativity, and design-based educational innovation. He has received over $11 million in grants, published over 200 articles, and edited five books. With over 64,000 citations of his work, he ranks in the top 2% of scientists worldwide (#91 in social science), and is ranked #62 (#11 in psychology) amongst scholars influencing educational policy. He previously served as Associate Dean of Scholarship & Innovation and director of doctoral programs (at MLFTC) and directed the award-winning MA in Educational Technology program at Michigan State University. He serves on ASU’s Leadership Academy steering committee, AACTE’s Technology and Innovation Committee, and as editor-in-residence for the Journal of Teacher Education. He is an award-winning instructor, engaging public speaker, podcaster, and accomplished visual artist.
Website: punyamishra.com
Laura McBain. Stanford University d.school (USA)
Keynote speech: Creativity Lesson I learned the Hard Way: Confessions from An Education Designer Description
As artificial intelligence and emerging technologies accelerate at an unprecedented pace, we are called to reimagine not just education—but humanity itself. What does it mean to be human in an age of machines? And how might we harness our most distinct human trait—our capacity for divergent, creative thinking—to design bold new futures for learning? In this talk, we’ll explore transformative design mindsets and practices that expand our imagination, challenge the status quo, and ignite novel possibilities. Through stories, tools, and breakthrough examples from the world of education and edtech, we’ll explore how embracing divergent thinking can unlock the future of learning—and of human potential.
About Laura McBain
Laura McBain is a designer, adjunct professor, and Managing Director at the Stanford d.school, where she also serves as Co-Director of the K12 Lab. Her work focuses on professional education, building and sustaining strategic partnerships with companies, nonprofits, and philanthropic institutions to leverage design to lead toward innovative transformation. She is the author of My Favorite Failure: How Setbacks Can Lead to Learning and Growth which provides insights and narratives into how you can create the conditions to take risks and experience failure together. Laura has a Bachelors from Miami University-Oxford, Ohio and a Masters from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
17th annual International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies
Palma (Spain) - 30 June - 2nd July 2025.
