The theme of the TedxCERN Conference held in October 2015 was Breaking The Rules. The event took place in the CMS Assembly Hall at the CERN Large Hadron Collider. Scientists from different fields took the stage to present innovative solutions to life’s everyday problems. Innovations are constantly changing the way we think and the way we view our world.
I’m so happy to have a keyless starter in my car. I love carrying my phone in my pocket and using it for reservations, receipts and ticket validations at the airport. When I think about all of the myriad of ways my life is different than it was 10 years ago…..even 1 year ago, I get excited. Watching the videos of the speakers at this conference jacked that excitement up a notch.
Michael Bodekaer spoke at TedxCern about changing the way science education is offered by teachers and received by students. He used special goggles and an ordinary smart phone to demonstrate immersive virtual laboratories filled with the latest technologically advanced machines and the way the teacher and student would use them. Fascinating! The video of his demonstration reminded me of several movies I’ve seen recently showing large screens of information hanging in the air and changing with the sweep of a hand…..so science fiction but so right on our doorstep.
What a blessing it would be if teachers and students alike could be excited about the subject they’re focused upon…..even anxious and self-inspired. Yikes! Classrooms would be transformed into highly charged, exciting places to be.
Mr. Bodekaer explained that these laboratories would be used to provide experience needed by science students the same way that flight simulation programs are used in training pilots: hands on experience without the crash and burn aspect.
Videos of the presentations at the conference are now available online. They’re fascinating! Linda Liukas spoke about the poetry of programming computers. She’s written a book to encourage little girls to dream, to explore imaginary worlds and their own physical world in an effort to make computers friendly tools to be embraced and used to create whatever their hearts and minds want to pursue. She’s so charming. I was enthralled with her presentation.
Vikki Stone mesmerized and entertained on the keytar and piano and delivered an earth shaking truism: keep on doing what you’re doing, have fun, push the boundaries, break the rules! In fun the best work is begun! Pioneering The Dog Bearding Movement is the name of her presentation…..don’t miss it!!!!!
If you’re interested in ideas that are being developed to improve our quality of life on planet earth, you’ll love Marcia Barbosa’s 2014 TedxCERN talk about The Weirdness of Water. Being curious and spending time satiating that curiosity leads down all kinds of unexpected paths. Wow…..what can I say more…..spend a little time listening to these talented scientists. It will be time well spent. Just go to TedxCERN Breaking the Rules and click on videos.