Top voices share insights and expertise to
create a better future through online education; Curtin University presented with 2023 edX Prize for
Exceptional Contributions in Teaching and Learning
LANHAM,
Md., Oct. 4, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- 2U, Inc.
(Nasdaq: TWOU), the company behind global online learning platform
edX, this week convened more than 350 attendees from over 150
institutions and 17 countries at the 2023 edX Global Forum. The
invite-only event celebrated the impact of the more than 4,300
online courses and programs on the edX platform and brought
together diverse voices in education, business, and the nonprofit
sector to share expertise and insights on how high-quality online
education can create a better future for all.
Centered on the theme of fueling the ambition of institutions
and learners around the globe, the first joint meeting of 2U
and edX's partner networks included over 25 panels and
sessions featuring 70 expert voices across company leadership, 2U
partners, and guest speakers such as Steve Case, co-founder of
America Online and chairman and CEO
of Revolution, Sean Decatur,
president of the American Museum of Natural History, Kristina Johnson, co-chair of the National
Advisory Council on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Barbara Snyder, president of the Association of
American Universities, and Jill
Tiefenthaler, CEO of the National Geographic Society.
Leaders shared their vision for increasing access and
affordability, innovating online education delivery, meeting the
needs of today's learners, and training the workforce of the
future.
"Part of why we partner with 2U is to leverage what's possible,"
said Todd Nicolet, vice provost for
digital and lifelong learning at UNC-Chapel
Hill, during a panel discussion about the power of
partnerships in online learning. "Our partnership is an important
tool in our toolkit, and my job is to give our team access to the
world's best tools and resources."
"The future is in the hands of our students," said Barbara Snyder during a panel discussing the
essential mission of the university. "The pace of change has
increased, but the willingness of people, including faculty and
especially students, to adapt to changing times is remarkable. That
adaptability will serve us well for the challenges of tomorrow, and
our ability as a higher education community to pivot and face big
challenges in partnership continues to excite me."
On the same panel, Julio Frenk,
president of the University of Miami,
said: "We're at the threshold of a revolution in education, driven
by the convergence of three forces: the dynamic labor market shaped
by AI and automation, advancements in learning science, and the
incorporation of new technologies to enhance student experiences.
This paves the way for a more active, personalized, adaptable, and
flexible approach to education."
"Our company is deeply committed to supporting our partners as
they leverage digital learning to expand their reach, close skills
gaps, and empower future generations through the promise of higher
education," said Andrew Hermalyn,
president of partnerships at 2U. "I would like to thank all of our
panelists and participants for their time and contributions at this
year's Global Forum – the insights and stories shared this week
have resulted in an exciting and meaningful dialogue about how we
can continue to innovate and reshape the future of education."
During the event, Dr. Ben
Milbourn, Dr. Wenn B. Lawson,
Professor Sonya Girdler, and
Katherine Browne from Curtin University were announced as the winners of
the eighth annual edX Prize for Exceptional Contributions in Online
Teaching and Learning. This prestigious award acknowledges the
group's outstanding work and creation of an open course on edX.org
titled "Autism and Mental Health." The course, designed and
developed by CurtinX team members Nicole
David, Belinda Lux,
Brendan Ameduri, and Blake Treharne, is dedicated to celebrating the
unique qualities, strengths, and skills of individuals with autism
and is designed to equip autistic individuals and those around them
with the knowledge and tools to navigate the relationship between
autism and positive mental health outcomes.
"Dr. Ben Milbourn, Dr. Wenn B.
Lawson, Professor Sonya
Girdler, Katherine Browne,
and the entire CurtinX team have truly exemplified the spirit of
innovation and dedication in education," said Anant Agarwal, edX founder and 2U's chief
platform officer. "This remarkable achievement underscores the
power of online learning to transform lives and create a more
inclusive world. Congratulations to the winners from Curtin University for their outstanding
contribution."
About edX
edX is the global online learning platform that fuels the world's
ambition. edX was developed in 2012 by Harvard and MIT to make
the world's best education available to everyone. Today, as a part
of 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU), edX connects over 78 million people
with online learning to meet every professional moment. Together
with top-ranked universities and organizations at the forefront of
their fields, edX offers thousands of job-relevant programs across
nearly every career discipline, from artificial intelligence and
robotics to sustainability and public health. Find online courses,
certificates, boot camps, and degrees that fuel your ambition at
edX.org.
About 2U, Inc. (Nasdaq: TWOU)
2U is a global leader in
online education. Guided by its founding mission to eliminate the
back row in higher education, 2U has spent 15 years advancing the
technology and innovation to deliver world-class learning outcomes
at scale. Through its global online learning platform edX, 2U
connects more than 78 million people with thousands of affordable,
career-relevant learning opportunities in partnership with 250 of
the world's leading universities, institutions, and industry
experts. From free courses to full degrees, 2U is creating a better
future for all through the power of high-quality online education.
Learn more at 2U.com.
Media Contact
media@2u.com
View original content to download
multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2u-convenes-over-350-academic-and-industry-leaders-for-2023-edx-global-forum-301947075.html
SOURCE 2U, Inc.