Festival of Learning 2025

This event is in the past.

What can we do at MIT to prepare our students to solve the challenges of their time? Every learner at MIT can impact the future of humankind and the planet—calling on us to embrace new approaches to an MIT education. 

At the 2025 Festival of Learning, hear from MIT faculty, instructors, and recent students about what mens et manus looks like in the future of teaching and learning at MIT. Join a facilitated session to improve teaching and learning at the Institute. 

Welcome & Opening Remarks [video]

Daniel E. Hastings, Interim Vice Chancellor, and the Cecil and Ida Green Education Professor of Aeronautics and Astronautics 

Mens et Manus for the Future [video] 

As the Institute explores ways to better prepare students for coming times, panelists will share their experiences deeply engaging students and transforming the MIT educational experience. 

Speakers: Chris Capozzola (Open Learning / History), Amitava ‘Babi’ Mitra (NEET), Adam Martin (Biology), Susan Silbey (Anthropology) 

Moderator: Janet Rankin, Director of MIT Teaching + Learning Lab 

Moving Forward Together [video]

Panelists—faculty, instructors, and, importantly, recent students—will discuss examples of their collaboration with others to transform their MIT subjects. 

Speakers: Maria Khotimsky (Global Languages), Paola Rebusco (ESG / Physics), Sean Robinson (Physics), Cory Romanov (Physics), McKenzie Dinesen (Aero/Astro)  

Moderator: Aaron Kessler, Associate Director of Learning Sciences and Teaching

Facilitated Sessions

- Improve Your MIT Subject(s)

Hosted by Aaron Kessler, Associate Director of Learning Sciences and Teaching 

Learn and ask questions about Canvas and related resources, and turn your ideas for improving your subject(s) into action with support from Residential Education.

- Learn about the Lightboard Studio 

Hosted by Jim Cain, Senior Educational Technology Consultant 

Experience the Lightboard at MIT, where you can record short modules of curricular content. Learn best practices for presenting and experimenting with Lightboard. 

- Task Force on the Undergraduate Academic Program (TFUAP) White Paper Brainstorming Session

Hosted by Adam Martin, Professor of Biology & TFUAP Co-Chair 

Consider submitting a white paper to TFUAP. Come to ask questions, seek feedback, and/or get help making connections with other MIT community members who might wish to collaborate. Open to the MIT community.

The Festival of Learning is a yearly free event for MIT faculty, instructors, students, and staff to engage with each other regarding innovation in teaching and learning. The Festival is co-sponsored by MIT Open Learning and the Office of the Vice Chancellor.

Questions or requests for accommodations? festival-learning@mit.edu