Bringing Discovery Back Into Education: Chris Clay at TEDxChristchurch

Chris Clay is a self-described advocate for the use of technology to extend the capabilities of both teachers and learners. In 2006, he started developing online collaborative learning environments for the students in his biology classes at an Auckland secondary school. Following the Christchurch earthquakes, these learning communities were opened to the students of affected schools and later those from all over New Zealand. Subsequent development involved students collaborating online with biologists at Auckland's Landcare Research to solve genuine biological challenges, like having students analyse DNA results sent to them from scientists working on an endangered bird species breeding programme. This resulted in incredible outcomes for both students and scientists, as well as Chris being named "Microsoft's Global Innovative Educator" in 2011 ahead of over 200,000 other nominees from around the world.

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)