The LEGO Foundation and Ashoka Changemakers want “to transform the way the world learns.”
The “Re-Imagine Learning” challenge includes networking opportunities, support and feedback for all applicants, and “10 star Players will be named Champions of learning through play and will receive cash prizes totaling $200,000.” This Changemakers Competition is a unique online, open-source-style competition intended "to attract early-stage innovations to transform learning." It is part of a three year, $5.1 million partnership between the LEGO Foundation and Ashoka "to identify, support and accelerate leading social entrepreneurs and their innovative work in learning and play."
The partnership was announced at The LEGO Idea Conference in Billund, Denmark. A symposium focused on creating actionable strategies for change, the gathering included about 300 educators, thought-leaders, researchers, CEOs, Ashoka Fellows and entrepreneurs who “believe that children and young people need to better develop creativity, imaginative problem-solving, teamwork, empathy, and inspiration so they can step into leadership roles in pursuit of purpose.”
Appropriately for an event held in the LEGOLand Hotel and Conference center, play was the focus. Participants not only built structures with the iconic plastic bricks, they also shared expertise, research, and experiences around the theme of creating exceptional opportunities for learning through play. The conference kicked off the changemaker challenge to "re-imagine learning and re-imagine play."
The LEGO Foundation is partnering with Ashoka Changemakers in order to draw on Ashoka’s ongoing proven ability to support and foster impactful social entrepreneurship. In LEGO, Ashoka sees a strong family company that has a proven track record of exceptional innovation grounded in company tradition.
The Re-Imagine learning challenge is unique. Unlike traditional entrepreneurial challenges, which seek out just a few winners, implicitly rewarding short term objectives and prioritizing growth over impact, the Changemaker model is more emergent and participatory. “Everyone is a winner,” they explained, “As you share your ideas to help us map the landscape of innovation in education, we’ll give you personalized feedback and support to help bring your vision for change – what you’re most passionate about – to life. We’ll also welcome you into a global network of like-minded parents, educators, administrators, and social entrepreneurs—both online and on the ground—who are challenging the conventions of learning because changemaking can’t wait for future generations.”
I spoke to a number of Ashoka executives about the challenge and everyone was clear about their intentions, they’ve imagined a model where everyone is encouraged to contribute, connect and benefit. “If you're designing environments where kids and adults learn through play, whether at home, in a classroom or on a playground, we want to hear about it. So share your ideas and energy wherever you are: submit a proposal, comment in an online conversation on Twitter and Facebook.” They also plan to host face-to-face meetups around the world.
To find out what you need to know in order to apply...no...to play along, visit the website: http://www.changemakers.com/play2learn
Jordan Shapiro is author of FREEPLAY: A Video Game Guide to Maximum Euphoric Bliss, a book about how playing video games can transform psychological attitudes. For information on Jordan's upcoming books and events click here.
