I recently had the opportunity to deliver the keynote address at the 8th annual University College of Dublin‘s Teaching & Learning Symposium in Dublin. The theme was “Innovative Futures: Engaging Learners,” and I spoke on “The Ecological Imperative: Redesigning Education for a Transformed World.” A video of my keynote (as well as an abstract of my talk) can be found at the end of the post. The event also showcased a variety of UCD projects embracing the theme of innovation and engagement with learning. The talented Ruth Graham created an amazing graphic-recording of the event.

Beyond the conference, I had an informal lunch with with faculty from Dublin City University, organized by Eamon Costello. A huge shoutout to Aine Galvin, David Jennings, Leigh Wolf, at UCD and Eamon Costello at DCU for a truly wonderful visit.

Most importantly, I got to hang out with the awesome Leigh Wolf (it had been too long) and her husband Scott, combined with some tourist-lite exploration in and around Dublin. A collage of photographs from the visit can be found below, followed by the video of my talk.

Abstract: As climate change, political polarization, pandemics, and technologies like generative AI fundamentally alter the fabric of society, educators face significant challenges that transcend questions of classroom implementation. This keynote challenges the instrumental view of educational technology by examining how digital transformations create entirely new learning ecologies within this complex landscape—functioning simultaneously as epistemic technologies that reshape how we know and cultural technologies that transform social practices and values. Drawing on historical patterns across print (with its stabilization of knowledge), television (with its transformation of information into entertainment), the internet (with its network effects and hyperconnectivity), and social media (with its attention economy and identity performance), Dr. Mishra explores their impacts on education and society. Building on the work of media theorists like McLuhan and Postman, who understood media as environments rather than mere tools, he identifies critical lessons that illuminate our current moment. The presentation provides thoughtful approaches for educators to become intentional architects of learning environments rather than passive consumers of technological change. Dr. Mishra argues that by understanding technology’s ecological impact—its capacity to reshape social, cognitive, and institutional structures—we can reimagine learning itself—envisioning multiple possible futures while remaining anchored in enduring educational purposes and human needs.